In an interview with InTheKnow, Shumard revealed the stark contrast between her envisioned six weeks of maternity leave and the challenging reality she faced.
“My expectations of maternity leave were that this would be a time to bond with your baby, navigating the expected learning curve,” Shumard shared with the outlet. “You spend those brief six weeks adjusting to a constantly changing schedule that revolves around the baby, adapting daily, even hourly.”
Regrettably, Shumard’s experience deviated significantly from her expectations. She found herself back at work a mere 12 days after giving birth. Juggling the demanding responsibilities of a new mother alongside her work commitments posed a considerable challenge. Much like many mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Shumard continued to pump for 2-3 hours daily to sustain her body’s breast milk production. However, the stressful demands of her job hindered her ability to adhere to this schedule, resulting in a noticeable decline in her milk production.
Expressing her concerns in on-screen captions during a video, Shumard questioned how other NICU parents coped with similar predicaments. She voiced common worries, such as the financial strain of staying home during a NICU stay and the emotional burden of having to work while unable to be with her baby.
Shumard’s emotional plea in the video triggered a powerful response on social media. Viewers and commenters rallied in support of the new mom, with many choosing to offer financial assistance. This support ultimately enabled Shumard to extend her paternal leave
