Maryam Abubakar
A real-life story of a career woman, who is a journalist, a mom and a muslim
Balancing a career in journalism with the responsibilities of motherhood has not been an easy journey for me as a female journalist and a new mom. One of the toughest hurdles I’ve had to overcome is meeting the demands of my profession while also breastfeeding and caring for my baby.
Like many working mothers, I’ve found it challenging to juggle work obligations with the needs of my child. The task of maintaining a steady professional routine while ensuring proper breastfeeding has often felt overwhelming.
When I discovered I was expecting, I was determined to continue my journalism career. However, I hadn’t fully grasped the reality of the challenges I’d soon face. I expected to take some time off after childbirth, but returning to the newsroom while nursing proved more difficult than anticipated.
One major issue was finding an appropriate space to express breast milk. In many media houses, there’s no designated private area for breastfeeding mothers. For someone like me — a Muslim woman — pumping in public spaces can be not only uncomfortable but also culturally inappropriate. Thankfully, my workplace provided a private room, but managing pumping breaks amidst tight deadlines was still a struggle.
Physically, breastfeeding while working long shifts was draining. The process itself is time-intensive and energy-sapping. Coupled with the mental and physical demands of journalism, I often felt exhausted and torn between my duties at work and at home. The guilt of not being able to give my full attention to either was a constant burden.
Nevertheless, I was determined not to give up. Establishing a consistent routine helped me manage both roles. I created a pumping schedule and adhered to it as closely as possible. I also made sure to keep my supervisors and colleagues informed about my situation, which helped foster understanding in the workplace.
Support played a vital role in my ability to cope. My husband — who is also a journalist — was incredibly supportive, and I was fortunate to have friends and family who were always ready to offer advice or lend a helping hand. Having people around who understood what I was going through made a significant difference.
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is to be gentle with myself. The pressure of trying to excel at both motherhood and a demanding career can be overwhelming. But I’ve come to realize that doing my best is more than enough.
In summary, being a journalist and a breastfeeding mother brings unique challenges, especially in an environment that may not fully accommodate working mothers. However, with a clear routine, strong support network, and self-compassion, it’s possible to balance both worlds. As workplaces become more inclusive and supportive of nursing mothers, I believe many women will continue to succeed in both their professional and family lives.
