‘Don't Judge Me For Taking Six Weeks' Maternity Leave'

After Vogue Williams was mum-shamed for returning to work eight weeks after giving birth, Stacey MacNaught explains why she took a mini-mat leave too

- Stacey MacNaught

SIX WEEKS AFTER giving birth I was back in the boardroom discussing a major restructuring of the business I work for, while a trickle of breast milk inched its way down my torso, my C-section scar still twinging. Despite this and the fact that I was so sleep-deprived that I almost missed my stop every morning on the hour-long commute to the office, I was delighted to be back at work, content in the knowledge my newborn son Oliver was safe in the care of my husband and my parents.

I’m aware that people may think I’m mad, but I’ve never once regretted my decision to return to work so soon after giving birth. I feel it has been beneficial not just to my career, but also our family, my marriage and my relationship with my son. Some people are happy to make their baby their sole focus and I respect and admire that, but honestly, I knew very early on that I would be a better parent if I had a balance between personal career fulfilment and motherhood.

After university, I was elated when I found a job as a trainee digital marketing executive in central Manchester. I loved the challenges of this emerging industry and I threw myself into work, enjoying a fast rise through the ranks, first to manager, then to head of department for search marketing, speaking at conferences all over Europe and the US.

In April 2014, I was offered a promotion to director. This meant I’d be stepping away from the day-to-day running of accounts and having much more say in the overall direction of the business. It was a huge step up, with a £65,000 salary to match. I was 29 at the time and the only woman on the board, which was a great responsibility and a source of pride.