Someone asked me once if my co-workers' or boss' perceptions of me changed after I came back from maternity leave. My answer was "Somewhat..." It's really hard to say because in my case, it's almost just a feeling you get. Nothing really tangible. I went back to a full-time 9-5 job in an office (digital marketing/IT-related). My co-workers who knew me before I went on mat leave were excited to have me back and didn't doubt my capabilities. However, I came back to a new boss who didn't have kids. And I'm not sure if he understood what it means to have to work from home when you have a sick child, and to leave on time to pick up your kid from daycare.

I know many moms who were worried about perceptions when they went back to work. I'd love to hear your experiences. Thoughts and opinions welcome!

I haven't gone back yet, but I'll be going back to a new manager (who doesn't have kids) and it will be interesting to see how flexible she will be during times when I need to attend to my son.  As much as I would like to think that mothers are treated equally in the workplace, I think they need to prove themselves in a way childless women don't.  Maybe it's just the organization that I work for or my perception of it...I guess I'll figure it out first hand in January.