Back to it: Motherhood, Media Interviews and Everything In Between

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After a year on maternity leave, I'm delighted to be back at Community Pharmacy Scotland. 

Like many parents preparing to return to work, I imagined my first few weeks would be spent finding my feet again. Time to reconnect with colleagues, get back up to speed on policy areas and remind myself what half the acronyms in my inbox actually mean. 

What I didn't expect was that one of my first major pieces of work would involve representing Community Pharmacy Scotland across three separate BBC Scotland appearances in a single day, discussing winter health, private flu vaccine availability and the vital role community pharmacy plays in supporting patients across Scotland.  

It's fair to say my return has been a little less gradual than anticipated. 

The Longest and Shortest Year 

Before returning to work, I spent an incredible year at home with my son, Sorley. 

Everyone tells you maternity leave goes quickly, and everyone tells you to make the most of it. What nobody really explains is how a year can somehow feel like the longest and shortest year of your life at exactly the same time. 

There were nights that felt endless, and the days were measured in feeds, naps, snacks and attempts to persuade a determined toddler that shoes are, in fact, an essential item before leaving the house. Then suddenly, a whole year had passed. 

It was a year filled with milestones, memories and moments I'll never forget. 

I also discovered that becoming a parent unlocks a level of tiredness I previously didn't know existed. At one particularly sleep-deprived point, I genuinely Googled: "Can you die from sleep deprivation?" Apparently not. Which was reassuring, because there were definitely moments when I felt I was conducting important research on the subject. Looking back, those are now some of the memories that make me smile the most. 

Like many people say, becoming a parent changes you. Over the past year, I've gained a new perspective, learned more patience than I knew I possessed and developed a stronger appreciation for the importance of family, balance and making time for what matters most. 

Finding My Professional Voice Again 

Returning to work after maternity leave is a strange experience. You're coming back to something familiar, but you return as a slightly different version of yourself. 

While I was excited to get back to work, I would be lying if I said there weren't a few nerves. After spending a year being known primarily as "Mum", there is always a small part of you that wonders whether your professional confidence is still there waiting for you. 

The good news is that it is. Sometimes it just needs a gentle reminder. 

For me, that reminder arrived sooner than expected. 

One minute I was navigating nap schedules and toddler snack preferences. The next I was preparing for three BBC interviews in a single day. Life comes at you quickly. 

Representing Community Pharmacy Scotland in the media was both exciting and rewarding. The interviews provided an opportunity to highlight the expertise, accessibility and value of community pharmacy teams, while discussing winter preparedness and the current challenges around private flu vaccine availability.  

Most importantly, they allowed me to ensure community pharmacy's voice was part of an important national conversation.  

It's All in the Preparation 

If there's one skill I've refined over the past year, it's preparation. 

Anyone with a toddler knows that leaving the house requires military-level planning. Snacks, spare clothes, favourite toys and at least one backup plan for when things don't quite go to plan. 

As I prepared for three BBC appearances in a single day, I realised the same principle applies professionally. 

One of the most valuable parts of that preparation was speaking to our members. They shared insights on local demand for private flu vaccinations, supply challenges and the pressures facing their communities. Their feedback helped ensure the interviews reflected what was happening on the ground across Scotland and that community pharmacy's voice was represented accurately.  

It was also a reminder that the strongest messages are rarely created in isolation. They come from listening, understanding and drawing on the experiences of the people we represent. 

Looking Ahead 

Returning from maternity leave has given me a fresh perspective on both work and life. 

I've become more efficient, more focused and perhaps a little more accepting that perfection isn't always necessary. I've also learned that many of the skills developed during parenthood, adaptability, resilience, patience and negotiation, are surprisingly transferable to the workplace. Who knew? 

So, in many ways, this article serves as both a reflection and a reintroduction. 

I'm delighted to be back at Community Pharmacy Scotland, working with colleagues, stakeholders and members, and continuing to champion the vital role of community pharmacy. 

While I certainly didn't expect three BBC appearances to feature quite so prominently in my return-to-work story, I'm grateful for the opportunity they provided. They reminded me that while a year away changes your perspective, it doesn't diminish your enthusiasm, experience or professional voice. 

Sometimes you just need an opportunity to shake off the dust and find it again. And it's very good to be back