Motherhood and Science: Thriving Amidst the Chaos

To all the Scientist Mothers out there navigating another round of snow ❄️ and cold 🥶 days this week: I see you 🫶

I see the disrupted plans, the scrambling for childcare, the creative juggling of meetings and snack requests. I see the 4:30 a.m. wake-ups to squeeze in a bit of work before the chaos begins, or the decision to let it all wait because today, family takes priority.

I also see how often the burden for childcare on these days falls disproportionately on mothers—especially on Scientist Mothers, whose jobs are often deemed "more flexible." Flexible, maybe (we get to work whichever 60 hours of the week we want, right?! 😋😵‍💫)—but that doesn’t mean less demanding or less important.

It’s not fair, and it’s not easy. But here we are, showing up in whatever way we can—whether it’s powering through with flexibility and grit or embracing the unexpected family time, knowing, and accepting, that the work can wait.

This week may be messy, exhausting, or full of moments where it feels like you’re falling short. But let me remind you: you’re not.

You are resilient. You are resourceful. And you can STILL be the amazing scientist and mother you strive to be—two-day workweeks, late-night catch-ups, and all.

We’re in this together. Keep going, however that looks for you today. ❤️

#mothersinscience #mothersinSTEM #womeninmedicine #womeninSTEM #resilience #mothermind