How Creating Mother-Centric Community Became My Soul Work

Written By Jenny Robberson

“Instagram” (ahem…Expectations) vs. Reality

Nine years ago around this time, I’d recently shared with my then-colleagues that I was expecting my first baby. 

At that time, I’d spent the majority of my career in the corporate world. I appreciated the benefits and the decent (although never quite worthy) salary. And, I was looking forward to the generous maternity leave policy and boasted about flexible work options upon my return.

I gave birth to a healthy baby in October and settled into my six-month maternity leave. Several months in, I began imagining my ideal return to work. When I proposed coming back at 75% time and salary, that idea was quickly shut down. Despite the “family-friendly” messaging from this Big 4 firm, I quickly realized that didn’t and wouldn’t apply to everyone.

THIS was my first taste of Modern Motherhood: 

  • Don’t expect formal supports

  • Show up to work as an employee - not a parent

  • Go home and do all.the.things with patience and ease and love in the hour or two you’ll have with your baby before they go to bed

  • Expect to be up multiple times throughout the night caring and feeding and diaper changing

  • Show up to work the next day fresh-faced and ready to get the job done

No Bait? Then Make the Switch

I never planned not to return to work. I didn’t have a big financial safety net. Yet the one thing I knew in my heart was this: I didn’t want to leave my daughter 40+ hours/week while slogging away for this company who didn’t truly value me and who knew how to talk the “family friendly” talk without walking the walk. So I offered my resignation instead of returning to the office.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that I had enough privilege and comfort to do this and MANY don’t. That’s not lost on me. 

Almost nine years later, I’ve had to reconcile with myself over giving up hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary and 401K earnings. I contribute to my family’s overall income but I couldn’t support myself right now. And there are times where I’ve second guessed some of the decisions I’ve made along the way.

However, what I’ve held onto this entire time and what continues to drive me is my passion for disrupting the way our society and culture values Mothers and families. And particularly since launching Freckle Face Yoga, I feel privileged in a whole new way - it’s an absolute HONOR to show up for and hold space for moms and their children.

MY Matricentric Way (Taylor’s Version - wink wink)

What I’ve also realized along the way is that all of this has been a big part of my Matricentric journey. What began as the physical and psychological shift of becoming a mother has blossomed into:

  • Learning to mother in a way that feels right to me (that doesn’t mean I don’t mess up allll the time too!)

  • Finding my own path and journey outside of my role as “Mom” and “Wife”

  • Becoming a fierce advocate for maternal mental health, maternal healthcare, mother- and family-centric cultural shifts, and inclusion

  • Creating community for myself AND my fellow moms that feels authentic, raw, supportive, and Mother-centered

How do you navigate the ongoing evolution of your role as “Mother?” Have you ever contemplated your own Matricentric journey? If you’re interested in diving in deeper, reach out! I’d love to be a part of your support system as you “become” and “unbecome” the Mother and the person you were always meant to be.

Jenny Robberson