Growing up, I never knew what I wanted. I changed what career I wanted to go into too many times to count. I spent a good two years in middle school telling everyone I wanted to be a "malnutritionist" which I slowly began to realize wasn't a real thing after the weirdness I got in response. However, one constant that always seemed to linger is the desire to be a mom.

Before I begin my potentially controversial rant, I just want to make it known that I am a raging, bra-burning kind of feminist that believes the future is women and I mean no disrespect to my fellow sisters. That being said, this notion and stigma against women staying home with her children instead of rushing back to work is just as oppressive as what they're trying to fight against.

All of a sudden, there are responsibilities women have to her family, herself, and the female community that inhibit her from feeling ok with being a stay at home mom. Even the term has gained a dirty and regressive connotation to it, that you're a "bad feminist" for wanting to stay home with your children and put family before money. Not to mention, the added benefits of being there for the early milestones, building strong relationships, and not caring you're wearing the same pj's from three nights ago.

Women have the right to make decisions based on what best fits their life. If that means they return to work after their leave ends, I say more power to them. I just believe the importance of a parent staying home for at least the first year is more powerful and positive than anything else.

Of course there are inhibiting factors that contribute to mothers returning to work like strict corporate rules and financial necessities. But if systems can be established that allow her to stay home, I hope she does. The benefits of being with your family will always be more important.