.jpg?fit=900%2C506)
While “house hubbies” are still a far cry from the social norm in Australia, they are growing in number as new mums seek to secure their career.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are just over 39,000 stay-at-home dads (or men not working who list their main duty as “caring for children”), compared to over 420,000 stay-at-home mums.
Last year, 40-year-old Natarscha Lunde became pregnant on her first IVF cycle just as she was finishing her Master of Business Administration. Natarscha and her husband, David, 48, discussed her returning to work after their baby was born.
“I started looking at roles to see what was happening in the marketplace, with the thought I wouldn’t go back too soon,” Natarscha says.
But after interviewing for a brand team leader role at a close-to-home organic products distributor when Christopher was six-weeks old, Natarscha got the job and joined the company when he was 13 weeks.
“I’m now the main breadwinner because after having invested $60,000 in my MBA, both my husband and I did not want to see this go to waste,” Natarscha says.
Mr Mum
David now takes care of their now 18-week-old baby for four days a week, while also setting up his own importing/exporting business from home. Christopher is in childcare one day a week.
“It was the perfect time for David to play ‘Mr Mum’ and he is loving it!” Natarscha says.
But the stay-at-home dad gig has taken some adjustment for them both.
“Our financial situation has become more challenging but for us it’s a case of watching what we spend, not actually sacrificing,” Natarscha says, “so it’s been a minor adjustment compared to that of life with a baby.”
David was hoping it would also give him some extra time on the golf course, however he quickly learnt this would not be the case.
“We have a very good baby but he has come to realisation it’s not quite that easy – David hasn’t been anywhere near a golf course,” Natarscha says.
As a breastfeeding mum, Natarscha was at first torn on whether to return to work but says from the start her company was very supportive of her situation.
“The business knows I have baby and because it is so close to home, my husband brings Christopher at lunchtimes. Work provides an environment where I can breastfeed at lunch,” Natarscha says.
Role reversal challenges
While returning to work meant financial security for the family and alleviation of a potential stress, Natarscha says missing out on baby development milestones – like when he rolled over for the first time – has been a challenge.
“I can never get those ‘firsts’ back,” says Natarscha. “While David videos everything he can and sends them through to me, I’m not likely to see the first of something unless it occurs on the weekend.”
“So on one hand it has been worth it – looking at the bigger picture but on other hand I would love to be at home to experience the ‘firsts’ myself.
But Natarscha says she is grateful Christopher does not have to be in day-care full-time and David loves the quality time he gets to spend with his son.
An initial shock
Natarscha says friends and family were initially shocked she went back to work so early.
“Society still considers a father’s role as the financial provider and mum at home as baby care giver,” she says. “But given the circumstances and unique situation we’re in – that work is close and David can visit – they’re very understanding as to why it’s happened.”
Overall, Natarscha is loving her new role.
“The role is mentally stimulating and satisfying and allows me to expand on my professional skills, use my MBA and mentor a new team,” she says.
“It was important for me to take this role professionally as it offered me some long-term career prospects in an expanding business.
“While it came up a little sooner than I would have liked, the idea of knocking it back was never an option as it had far more positives than the negative of leaving my son – especially as I knew I was leaving him with his dad.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
.png?resize=380%2C285)
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
Native ad body.
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
