Name: Katie McFarland
Age: 32
Children: Ian – 21 Months
Occupation: Program Manager in a Major Health Care Company
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Work Location: I commute to an office
Show Some Love!
Blog: www.momslittlerunningbuddy.com
Twitter: @momslrb
Facebook: MomsLittleRunningBuddy
Instagram: Momslrb
Pinterest: Katie mcFarland
How do you find time for everything you need to do? What falls off your radar?
Unfortunately, we can’t harvest time so I have to pick and chose. My “musts” on any given night include gym, dinner, time with E and the hubs and homework. If there’s anytime left I will blog.
Describe your childcare arrangement.
We have a retired boening engineer who watches him in his house 4 days a week and my mother in law watches him one day.
What does the word balance mean to you?
I means the ideal situation. It means “the ability to make it all work”. I don’t know if balance for me is realistic. There are days when I feel like everything is in balance and then there are days when it obviously isn’t. It’s the way our life is and we accept it.
What is your best time saving tip?
I think it’s important to, whenever possible, make dinner at home so I’ve learned to use the crockpot really well. What I don’t cook in the crockpot is healthy and easy. I don’t make anything I can’t finish in 20 min or less.
My tip: Don’t over complicate things.
What is your favorite go to meal to feed your family during the week?
Italian beef in the crockpot is great as well as Chicken Pesto with whole wheat pasta both are HUGE family favorites, are easy to make and provide great left overs for lunches.
Would you like to take a nap?
Yes.
What are your top two pros and cons of being a working mom?Pros: An outlet to be challenged daily, and getting to be around adults. 
Cons: Not spending the maximum amount of time with E, not getting to workout during the day.
Did you pump at work? If so, what was your experience?
Yes. I pumped 3 times a day for 9 months. At work we have “New Moms” rooms that you schedule like a meeting. It’s a great environment to pump in.
I even traveled and pumped. My work was kind enough to pay for shipping of my milk home. It was difficult but I’m glad I did it.
Do you have any advice for a new mom who is about to go back to work?
Try not to let guilt creep in. You’re doing what’s right for your family. Be proud and do your best! Show your children what a strong working mom looks like!
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Thank you, Katie, for being my first featured working mama! Don’t forget to check out Katie’s blog and show her some love!
Want your working mama story featured here? Visit the Working Mamas page!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s awesome that your work was so supportive about pumping. I’m sure that made all the difference in the world!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength recently posted..Last Day!
It really does! Although I think that a company that is not supportive is really behind the times. It’s sad
really like your new working mama feature! need to look up your crockpot recipes. we bought one to help with weeknight dinners, but haven’t really liked many things we have tried yet.
Thanks! There aren’t a ton on my site, but I will make more when the weather gets cooler. And I’m planning to do a round up of others that I love!
I agree with Amanda – so great that work was supportive of pumping/breastfeeding mamas. I was lucky to have an office but I can’t imagine having to go to the bathroom 3x a day and sit in a stall and pump. It’s great hearing about how others are managing it all. I’ve been meaning to get a crockpot forever. Maybe that will solve my balance problems?
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: I almost forgot!
I can’t imagine having to pump in a bathroom either! There’s a federal law that requires an employer with more than 50 employees to provide a space other than a bathroom for pumping. It really should require all employers, regardless of size!
Great advice about not letting guilt sink in! There’s always something to feel guilty about as a mom, but we’re all doing our best to make it work. I worked part time for the first 18 months of my daughters life, and then we moved and I’ve been staying home. Both have their challenges, and I can imagine working full time has even more challenges, but Katie’s right about setting a strong example for your child!
Laura recently posted..Flashback: Running in the 70′s
That’s one of the hardest things for me–the guilt. I have to work at not letting it get to me all the time.
Love this series! I give serious credit to all the moms who work and are still as dedicated as ever to their babies. Major props!!!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Move It Monday: Circuit Intervals
Thanks, Tina! That is really sweet of you to say.
I love this feature, Lisa! I don’t work nearly as much as you ladies, but I just started using the crockpot regularly a few weeks ago and it has been such a lifesaver.
Jen recently posted..Best body bootcamp 2.0: Week 2
Thanks, Jen! I am loving reading about all of these experiences from other working moms. Such a great way to find time saving tips. I am trying to become better acquainted with my crockpot too.
How great that your work even paid for you to ship your milk home! And I love your point about moms going back to work, that you’re setting a good example for your child.
Seriously! talk about a supportive employer!
I love this series!! I am going back to work next week from a three month maternity leave! I am so glad to read about other mommies and their working schedules!! Thanks so much!!
<3
Samantha recently posted..Cascadian Farms Giveaway!
I’m so glad you like it! How’s being back at work going for you so far?
This is a GREAT feature. As a working mom, I crave hearing how other moms make it all happen. I will be contributing soon, but I wanted to say thank you for this feature. Well done!
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoy it and look forward to your contribution!