Key Takeaways:
- Nimon, a new mother and MP, has returned to work after having a baby
- She feels supported by her colleagues and is grateful to be back before Christmas
- Nimon is navigating the challenges of motherhood and traveling for work
- She is planning to bring her baby, Lochie, into the House of Representatives if invited by the Speaker
- Nimon is working to make Parliament a more supportive place for mothers serving as MPs
Introduction to Nimon’s Return to Work
Nimon, a member of Parliament, has returned to work after giving birth to her baby, Lochie, and is settling back into her routine. Despite the significant change that has taken place in her life, she notes that it feels like nothing has changed at all. She is excited to be back and is enjoying seeing her colleagues again. Nimon’s experience is not unique, as she is not the first mother to return to work after having a baby, and she is certainly not the first MP to do so. In fact, Dame Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister, also had a child while in office, paving the way for other mothers in politics.
Support System
Nimon is grateful for the support system that is in place for her, both in her personal and professional life. Her mother is currently in Wellington, providing assistance and helping Nimon to care for Lochie. This support is invaluable, allowing Nimon to balance her work and family responsibilities. Additionally, Nimon’s colleagues have been understanding and accommodating, providing a welcoming environment for her to return to. The support of her colleagues and family members is helping Nimon to navigate the challenges of being a new mother and a working MP.
Balancing Work and Family
One of the biggest challenges that Nimon is facing is balancing her work and family responsibilities. With Lochie still young, Nimon needs to ensure that she is able to care for him while also fulfilling her duties as an MP. To achieve this, Nimon has planned out Lochie’s feeding and sleep schedule around Parliament sittings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This careful planning is essential in allowing Nimon to manage her time effectively and ensure that she is able to attend to her responsibilities in Parliament while also caring for her baby. Nimon is also grateful to have the opportunity to return to work before Christmas, which will allow her to "dip her toe in" and get a feel for what it will be like to balance her work and family responsibilities when she returns fully in January.
Lochie’s First Flight
This week marked a significant milestone for Lochie, as he experienced his first flight. Nimon was relieved to report that Lochie slept the entire way, making the journey much easier for her. This experience is just one of many that Nimon will face as a traveling MP with a young baby. However, with the support of her family and colleagues, Nimon is confident that she will be able to navigate these challenges and find a balance that works for her and her family.
Bringing Lochie to Parliament
Nimon has expressed her willingness to bring Lochie into the House of Representatives during a sitting, if invited by the Speaker, Gerry Brownlee. This would be a significant step in making Parliament a more family-friendly environment, and Nimon hopes that it will help to pave the way for other mothers who may be considering a career in politics. By being open to bringing her baby into the workplace, Nimon is helping to challenge traditional notions of what it means to be a working mother and is working to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for mothers in Parliament.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Nimon’s experience as a new mother and MP highlights the need for a more supportive environment for mothers in Parliament. While progress has been made in recent years, Nimon believes that there is still more work to be done to create a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of mothers. By speaking out about her experiences and advocating for change, Nimon is helping to raise awareness about the challenges that mothers face in the workplace and is working to create a more supportive environment for mothers in Parliament. Her efforts will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of many women and will help to pave the way for future generations of mothers in politics.