No body is neutral: voices of motherhood in the workplace

We are, first and foremost, our bodies. Through them, we exist and engage with the world. Even the mind—our thoughts—cannot be separated from our corporeality. The body, moreover, changes. It ages, and sometimes we feel more at ease in our bodies as we grow older than we did in youth. Thanks to sports—accessible to everyone, including those living with illness or disabilities—the body stays strong, and the mind follows suit. Yet perhaps the most transformative bodily experience is motherhood. And especially today, as efforts for gender equality intensify—think of UNI/Pdr 125 and the surge in certified companies in recent years—motherhood and the workplace are increasingly parallel realities.

A confession: obtaining the crucial testimonies from Silvia Dellabianca and Elisabetta Cammarano was not easy. Some colleagues were initially hesitant about participating in the interviews. We’ll explain why at the end of this dual dialogue.

Dellabianca (ESG and Internal Communication Manager) has a 4-year-old son, while Cammarano (Execution Coordinator specializing in R&D for employees belonging to protected categories) has a daughter who is almost two.

What sensations did you experience as your body prepared for motherhood?
Silvia. It’s incredible how the body is the first to communicate this major transformation, even before the mind is fully aware of it! Changes in sleep, abdominal pains, nausea or acid reflux, and sensory alterations are all signals that warned me of this new phase of life. The perception of oneself also changes. During those months, I felt calm, strong, almost “invincible,” despite being in a lockdown period, full of vulnerability and fears for the future.
Elisabetta. Different sensations, but generally all positive, because they were linked to the indescribable joy and excitement of the moment. Every small physical transformation was a powerful message reminding me of the extraordinariness of what was happening. So, even when my body sent less pleasant signals—such as bloating, nausea, or fatigue—I was still able to experience everything with serenity, because the emotion of anticipation overcame any discomfort.

And after childbirth? What was it like to return to “everyday life”?
Silvia. The postpartum period was difficult for me: after months of longing to meet my baby, I found myself enveloped by many conflicting feelings—happiness, but also fatigue, loneliness, and melancholy. It’s a time of great change, both physically and emotionally, and often one feels overwhelmed by thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, and new responsibilities. Sleep deprivation can amplify all of this, including emotions and tiredness. For a new mother confronting her own solitude, finding concrete support—from a partner, family, or professionals—can make a huge difference. Over time, the body and mind adjust, and emotions stabilize. Taking care of oneself, allowing moments of rest, and sharing even the more uncomfortable feelings can certainly help.
Elisabetta. After childbirth, things weren’t always smooth: the joy of motherhood was always immense, but often accompanied by conflicting emotions such as anxiety, fear, and, not least, discomfort. This discomfort came from the awareness that my body had changed, and, without the obvious reminder of the pregnant belly, it was harder to accept these changes. Returning to everyday life during that phase of instability and vulnerability wasn’t easy, but over time I learned to accept my new self with more patience and respect.

In the work context, what signals did your body send you before and after pregnancy? Have your needs changed? If so, how?
Silvia. In the work context, the signals my body sent me before and after pregnancy reflected the physical and emotional changes I was experiencing. Before pregnancy, signals included fatigue, changes in sleep, muscle aches or tension, and fluctuations in energy or concentration. After pregnancy, I experienced the same signals as before, plus sleep deprivation, changes in posture, mood swings, and the need for more breaks. These signals indicate a need for listening and adaptation, which I believe is important to acknowledge and communicate at work, in order to find a true balance between health and professional activity.
Elisabetta. Fortunately, my pregnancy was smooth and allowed me to work almost until delivery. The return to work, however, was more challenging: fatigue, back pain, and decreased concentration were some of the signals my body sent me. I realized my needs had changed, but over time, with proper organization and—most importantly—support, both at home and at work, I managed to regain a sustainable rhythm. In some ways, I even felt stronger than before. Motherhood gave me a new awareness and a different ability to listen to my limits and respect them.

What advice would you give to a colleague who is about to become a mother to best embrace the changes the body experiences with motherhood?
Silvia. I would advise her to truly listen to herself, both body and mind, and if she can’t, not to be afraid to ask for help. But above all… I would advise her not to listen too much to others! Too often it’s the expectations—ours and those of people around us—that aren’t realistic and prevent new parents from fully enjoying these moments. I would remind her that every motherhood experience is unique and special, and comparisons are useless!
Elisabetta. I would advise her to experience the moment with serenity and fullness, embracing all the emotions and sensations that come, even those that seem harder to manage, because they are also part of an incredibly unique and extraordinary event. I would also advise her not to stay silent in the face of doubts, fatigue, or discomfort. Talking, sharing, and—most importantly—asking for help, even in the work context, is an act of strength and awareness, not weakness.

In thanking Silvia and Elisabetta for generously sharing their experiences, we can in a way answer the question raised earlier: why was an interview like this viewed with apprehension? Because motherhood, in its public narrative, is still a major taboo. And taboos are broken through the most authentic testimonies, like those of Silvia and Elisabetta. The always valid “recipe” can be summed up in one word: listening. As long as it is, indeed, authentic.