In a widely shared essay that circulated online last year, a woman who was expecting her first child articulated her decision to exclude the term “mom” from her bio. She expressed concern that identifying primarily as a mother would overshadow other aspects of her identity, highlighting a cultural tendency to reduce women to their maternal roles. Now, more than a year later, after welcoming her baby, she continues to uphold her original stance. While her choice is valid and reflects her personal journey, I firmly believe in including “mom” in my bio, and here’s why.
As a plaintiff-side attorney specializing in employment discrimination, I have represented mothers from diverse backgrounds even before I became one myself. These women—who enjoyed their careers, were highly educated, and achieved professional success—faced discrimination solely due to their status as mothers. I encountered cases of mothers losing their jobs after childbirth, being harassed for experiencing miscarriages, and struggling to find private spaces to express milk. Others saw their career opportunities vanish simply because they dared to bring new life into the world while remaining committed to their professional paths.
Before becoming a mother, I could not fully comprehend their struggles, but my experience transformed that understanding into an intense awareness of the challenges they faced. Motherhood ignited a fire within me, enhancing my focus, strength, and empathy. I recognized that this transformation was shared by many mothers around me.
The reality is, whether you are a mother or not, as a woman, you are likely to encounter discrimination based on the assumption that women bear children. This is not merely a possibility; it is a certainty. Every woman has her story, and while I have been fortunate to work for supportive employers, I still recall a disconcerting moment during a college interview. An older male partner in a law firm asked if I had children or planned to, implying that women with children tend to lack commitment to work. It took years for me to realize how inappropriate and illegal those inquiries were.
The traditional American workforce was structured with the idea that men work while women stay home to raise families. Thus, when I became a mother, I could not compartmentalize that part of my identity. It was integral to who I am, especially as I returned to work after maternity leave.
For the past three years, I have co-chaired the Working Parents Committee for my state women’s bar association. The feedback we’ve received underscores the urgent need for visibility of working mothers. We need women to assert: “I’m a lawyer, and I’m a mom, too.” “I’m a nurse, and I’m a mom, too.” “I’m a college professor, and I’m a mom, too.” We must challenge outdated stereotypes and demonstrate that motherhood does not diminish one’s professional identity.
To inspire future generations, we need to show that being a mother is a monumental part of life yet does not consume one’s entire identity. Laws may not change perceptions, but we can. Regardless of my work hours—whether 80, 40, or even 12—I will always proudly declare that I am a lawyer, a writer, and a mom. For those interested in exploring home insemination options, check out this artificial insemination kit for a comprehensive guide. Additionally, you might find valuable insights in this resource, which covers what to expect during your first IUI. For further inspiration, you can read about a family’s joyful journey to parenthood.
In conclusion, embracing the title of “mom” is not merely a personal choice; it is a stance against a culture that seeks to limit women’s identities.