HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS AFTER HAVING A BABY

Before my little lady came into our lives, turning our world upside down (for the better obviously) my baby was my business (Crafts and Giggles). I was literally doing emails during labour. I was a mad women on reflection!

I literally put blood, sweat, and tears into my business, sacrificing way too much. In my later stages of pregnancy I remember my midwife asking me how I was going to continue running my business when bubs was born. I thought what a ridiculous question…I would take her to the office, and she would work around me. Talk about denial, and having NO clue what was about to happen!

When bubs was born, I took 3 months maternity leave. I then continued to work. I remember going to under ones and being so envious that the mums could spend every second of the day with their babies. They also didn’t have any other stresses (it was all stressful enough). I remember crying with exhaustion, and my head was all over the place.

Looking back I honestly wonder how I got through it all. Thankfully I had great support and I didn’t have to work every day. Here are some positive tips and ideas for people who own a business, and have a baby:
 

• PLAN – Plan and manage your time most effectively. Use spread sheets, write lists, or use Trello. Trello is a great resource to organise and prioritise your projects in a fun,  and flexible way.
• PREPARE – Try to prepare things in advance, (even before the baby is born). Such as bulk cooking family meals, sterilising the bottles before you go to bed for the next day, doing the washing the night before etc.
• ASK FOR HELP – Ask for help from family members, or even get a cleaner to help around the house. This was an absolute God send for me. I wouldn't have been able to run my business if it wasn't for my mum.
• DON’T TAKE ON AS MUCH – Try not to take on as much work as you would have done before your baby was born. You can spread yourself too thin. 
• SAY NO – Similar to the above but don’ be afraid to say no to family, or work offers. Be practical. 
• TAKE TIME – Ensure you take some time for you. Even if it is a 20 minute bath, it is SO important you look after your well being. 
• BE PROUD - Don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing an amazing job, be proud of your achievements, 

I honestly feel so proud of being able to raise a beautiful young lady, and continue to run a successful business. My little lady is my world, she ALWAYS will be my priority. It is possible to do both. I do however think that the only thing that has been neglected a bit is me. I need to work on this. I also haven't been able to run my business at the same pace as before, but that is OK. Money isn't everything, but my little lady is. 

I hope this has been some help. Just remember to prioritise whats important to you. You can't buy a family, health or love. K XX