Moms know that although it’s definitely a rewarding process, caring for babies is never really all that easy. Even the most tireless of Energizer bunny-like moms have to take a break, even if it gets in the way of doing what you’re getting paid to do. Melody Jett Blackwell was enjoying one such quiet moment to herself when her boss caught her lounging around in an office chair as she cradled her newborn on her belly.
Melody was lucky enough to be given permission to work from home after she took maternity leave to have a baby, but at some point she knew she’d have to come back into the office to physically do her job. Although she was excited that her boss let her bring baby Nora-Jo with her, Melody’s mood changed after her boss made a very public comment about babies in the workplace.
Facebook/Melody Jett Blackwell
Some moms make mommyhood look like a walk in the park, or at least that’s what Melody’s boss thinks. After snapping a picture of Melody in the middle of the day at the office, her boss thought the moment was too sweet not to share. After it was uploaded onto the Maryland Farms Chiropractic Facebook page, the two women never thought it would garner as much attention as it did. They thought it was just a cute pic.
“Workin’ mamas. She makes it look easy. It helps that Baby Nora-Jo is so sweet and content just being with and near her mama. Would y’all mind sharing this? We need more small and large businesses to see this is doable and should be allowed more often! The newborn months are so short. #WorkinMamas post a pic of you and your little ones while you work!”
Melody was still allowed to work from home, but some days the chiropractic office where she works at in Brentwood, Tennessee needs some extra hands. Since she’s still breastfeeding, her employer has no problem letting mom take as many baby breaks as she needs.
Facebook/Melody Jett Blackwell
As the picture started to capture more attention, both Melody and her boss realized it was actually a good starter conversation piece about babies in the work place. As told to Love What Matters, Melody said:
“I know not every office and work environment is conducive for children and babies, but I think more places can be more flexible than they are currently.”
Giving moms the flexibility to bring their children into the office can also help tremendously with the costs of daycare.
“I think many families find it almost makes more financial sense for one parent to stay home, rather than go to work just to have most or all of their checks pay for day care.”
As Melody mentions, single moms don’t always have the option to be a stay-at-home mom. Daycare is the new societal norm when it comes to raising a child.
Facebook/Melody Jett Blackwell
Melody really hopes that the photo of her caring for Nora-Jo in the office will help other employers see the bigger picture.
“Depending on the work place, moms can bring their children to work and be productive. I hope that more moms in the future will get the opportunity that I have-to get to spend every day with my baby but also contribute to the family income.”
Melody gets the job done as both a mom and employee, and it just goes to show that caring for a baby in the workplace is totally possible if the right office environment and supportive network exists. Some day the future of maternity leave may actually include more welcoming maternity returns like this.