Mum’s the word: Shedding a light on motherhood and career

In a recent candid moment on the Radio Times podcast, Lily Allen shared a brutally honest confession about the impact of motherhood on her career. Laughing with host Kelly-Anne Taylor, she admitted: "I love them and they complete me, but in terms of pop stardom, they totally ruined it."

Allen's words certainly struck a chord. She faced a huge backlash, but her words resonated with so many women – like me – trying to navigate the delicate balance between motherhood and career.

I think so many of us have this idealised notion that we can effortlessly have it all; a successful career, happy family, beautiful home. But the reality is far from it. And while I can't say that having my son has ruined my career, it has irrevocably changed it.

In truth, the juggle between working and being a mum is guilt-ridden and expensive­ – in terms of time, money and energy. It’s a game of negotiation and re-prioritising. Finding a new normal and accepting that whilst you might be able to have it all, you absolutely cannot do it all. Not without accepting a hell of lot of support at least.

These discussions are so important, but they’re all too often brushed aside.

That's why it's refreshing to hear professional athletes, particularly female golfers, openly discussing their experiences with motherhood and their return to the game. Their stories shed light on the challenges faced by working mothers in all fields, offering solidarity and inspiration to those navigating similar paths.

Recently, LPGA players Caroline Masson and Sophia Popov gave us a glimpse into their lives as new mums. Then Lindsey Weaver-Wright shared her journey back to the tour in a press conference before the Ford Championship last week – her first tournament back since giving birth at the end of 2023.

When asked about the toughest aspects of returning to the tour after having her son, Weaver-Wright candidly spoke about the physical challenges of playing again and the juggling act of practising and looking after her baby.

“I was excepting to be hitting it a lot shorter, because that was something that I battled also throughout pregnancy. And I've heard mixed reviews from other girls whether they ever get back the distance or core strength they had. I think that's been difficult.”

“Trying to practice is kind of a juggling act too. He's been at the golf course with me every day. I'm practicing and playing and I'm tending to him. So that was a little bit of an adjustment at first.

“The first day I took him with me and I practiced for a little bit, he kept crying and he doesn't cry very much. I was there for like a half hour and I'm like, okay, it's time to go home. We'll try again tomorrow.

“Since then, he's been really good.”

As women, we often grapple with the pressure of being grateful for having children, to the point where expressing dissatisfaction feels taboo. But it shouldn’t diminish the validity of our experiences. Acknowledging our struggles does not negate our gratitude - it simply makes us human.

I’m over the moon that women are starting to shine a light on the untold stories of motherhood, and I’m looking forward to hearing more. When professional athletes – and any working mums for that matter – are honest about their experiences, we foster a culture of openness and understanding. We challenge outdated narratives and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for women striving to balance their passions and their families.