The value of a supportive mentor to establish an open and productive relationship throughout a mother’s career, and the value of seeking diverse mentors for a well-rounded experience was emphasized.
Challenges:
- Feelings of guilt or shame if research falls behind during maternity leave
- Little support provided during pregnancy and leave
- How to navigate an unsupportive mentor
Suggestions:
- Recognizing the value of raising children and the bigger life picture beyond a scientific publication
- Seeking alternative mentors
- Contacting human resources to learn about rights and expectations
Moms in Proteomics 