In a widely discussed essay that circulated online some time ago, an expectant mother articulated her decision to omit the term “mom” from her biography. She argued that she did not wish for her identity as a mother to overshadow her other accomplishments. Her concern centered on society’s tendency to narrow women’s identities down to their roles as mothers.
Fast forward to today, and this writer has welcomed her child into the world while maintaining her stance of excluding “mom” from her bio. And that’s perfectly fine. Every mother has the right to express her identity as she sees fit, and to prioritize her motherhood in a way that resonates with her. Kudos to her for standing firm in her beliefs.
However, I will always include the word “mom” in my own biography, and here’s why.
My Professional Journey
I work as an attorney specializing in employment discrimination. Long before I embraced motherhood, I represented mothers from diverse backgrounds—women who were passionate about their careers, well-educated, and accomplished in their fields. Yet, these incredible mothers faced discrimination solely because of their status as parents.
I encountered mothers who lost their jobs after giving birth, those who faced harassment due to miscarriages or postpartum depression, and others who struggled to find private spaces to express milk at work. Opportunities were stripped away from them simply for daring to bring a child into the world while continuing to contribute to the workforce.
Prior to becoming a mother, I could not fully grasp the depth of their struggles. But once I stepped into that role myself, my understanding deepened. I found the idea of being targeted for being a mom unimaginable. Motherhood ignited a passion within me, making me more focused, resilient, and empathetic than ever before. I believe it had the same effect on the mothers I represented.
The Reality of Discrimination
The reality is that every woman, regardless of her desire for children, is likely to encounter discrimination simply because of her potential to bear children. This is not just a possibility; it is a certainty. Every woman has her own narrative. I’ve had supportive employers throughout my career, yet I vividly remember an instance at 22, during a law school interview, when an older male partner asked if I had or planned to have children, implying that women with kids are less committed. It took years for me to realize how inappropriate—and illegal—his inquiries were.
The American workplace has historically been structured around the notion that men work while women stay home to raise families. Thus, when I became a mother, I recognized that I couldn’t compartmentalize that aspect of my identity. It was intrinsic to who I am, especially when I returned to work, feeling the weight of that title.
Advocating for Change
For the past three years, I have co-chaired the Working Parents Committee for my state’s women’s bar association. The feedback we’ve received underscores the dire need for our efforts. We need women boldly proclaiming, “I’m a lawyer, and I’m a mom.” “I’m a nurse, and I’m a mom.” “I’m a college professor, and I’m a mom.” It’s crucial to challenge outdated perceptions of motherhood and assert that harmful stereotypes are no longer acceptable.
We must demonstrate to both current and future generations that it is entirely possible to be a loving mother and to excel in other roles. Motherhood, though significant, does not define our entire identity. We need this shift in conversation because policies alone won’t change perceptions. It’s essential to prove that being a devoted mother and a dedicated professional can coexist harmoniously.
So, whether I’m working 80 hours a week or just a few, I will always highlight that I am a lawyer, a writer, and yes, a proud mom. If you are interested in exploring various parenting options, check out this intracervical insemination syringe kit. For further insights on pregnancy, you can visit this informative article, and to delve deeper into this topic, see this resource.
Summary
This article discusses the importance of embracing the identity of “mom” and why it should be prominently featured in personal bios. It highlights the discrimination mothers face in the workplace and emphasizes the need for societal change in perceptions of motherhood. The author shares her personal experiences and advocates for showing that women can be both mothers and successful professionals.