For some mothers, the idea of leaving their baby - particularly in those first few months or even years - feels excruciating, irreconcilable, even. For others, having space to engage in pursuits outside of mothering feels important, perhaps even necessary.

Both feelings are valid and on this particular subject, I'm a chameleon. Every day, my wants and needs as a mother and a professional turn a new shade - my feelings are never stagnant, they're ever-changing.

I've often said that if there was a way to simultaneously strap my babies to my chest and have them 10 kilometres away from me at all times, I'd be content. So deep is the tension that exists between wanting both, so deep is the paradox that is modern motherhood. And perhaps there is nothing that quite magnifies that tension as much as navigating the murky waters of motherhood and career.

It's something that today's guest knows all about. Lauren Perrett had a panic attack during a meeting in New Zealand when returning to paid work, and I don't think it's a stretch to say it changed everything for the mother of two. And eventually, she'd go on to launch BubbaDesk - the co-working service with onsite childcare that is quite literally changing lives.

Here, we talk finding meaning in paid work, how that meeting in New Zealand would go on to change her path, and why mothers and parents need more choice when it comes to childcare.

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Shop the Ready or Not Go To Guides now, for $29 each or $69 for the trio:

• Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
• Childcare 101
• Postpartum and Return to Work Planning

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Thanks for listening to Witching Hour! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review. You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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