Born Again: The Making of a Mother

Special Mother’s Day Edition

They say when a child is born, so is a mother. But what they don’t tell you is that this birth comes with a whirlwind of emotions; the tears, the fears, and the cheers.

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who embrace this transformation whether through birth or adoption.

Three amazing mothers from the Interswitch family—Chiamaka Mbamalu, Damilola Egbeniran, and Yewande Olaleye—share their journeys, surprises, and the balancing act of motherhood and career.

What has been the most surprising part about becoming a mother?

Chiamaka: Nothing. I mean nothing truly prepares you for the journey of motherhood. It’s unique, deeply personal, and filled with unexpected twists. No two experiences are the same, but the one constant is that it stretches you in ways you never imagined.

Damilola: The inner strength that comes with the role. I never knew I had this much in me until I became a mom.

Yewande: Same here! Motherhood has shown me resilience in ways I never imagined. The things I never thought I could handle. Now, I do them effortlessly.

It seems motherhood is forged through love and strength. So, has that changed your perspectives on life and work? Yewande: It has changed my perspective on things. I now have more important things to focus on. But at the same time, I’ve realized how important it is to be intentional about my career, giving my best so that my family can in turn enjoy a great life.

Chiamaka: My ambition hasn’t changed, but the weight of responsibility has grown heavier. There are days when exhaustion sets in, but then I remember, school fees are coming, bills need to be paid, and most importantly, I have a child who depends on me. So, I show up. I push harder.

Damilola: I cherish every moment now and try to find fulfilment in both my personal and professional life.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a mother, and how have you overcome them?

Yewande: Finding a live-in nanny was like a full-time job!

It’s that hard?

Yewande: Yeah, there were many disappointments and near-successes that fell through. And let’s not even talk about sleep. I used to love it. Now, I’m permanently in zombie mode.

Chiamaka: Adoption comes with unique challenges. Navigating emotions, building trust, and ensuring my child always feels safe and loved. Over time, I’ve learned that love isn’t just spoken; it’s an action word. It’s shown in the everyday moments.

Damilola: The fatigue and unpredictable schedule of a newborn. But I’ve managed by relying on a strong supportnetwork, establishing flexible routines, and allowing myself to learn as I go.

Any unexpected skills from motherhood that you’ve picked up?

ALL: MULTITASKING!!

Really?

Chiamaka: Motherhood has made me a master multitasker. From helping my daughter with her school projects to balancing deadlines at work, Motherhood teaches you to juggle multiple roles.

Yewande: I do it effortlessly now, and interestingly, it has made me even more efficient at work.

Chiamaka: One more thing. It has also sharpened my problem-solving skills because if you can negotiate with a child, a teenager, you can negotiate with anyone! They test you in unimaginable ways.

How has working at Interswitch supported you in balancing career and motherhood?

Yewande: Interswitch made the transition incredibly smooth. The Maternity Leave policy, remote work flexibility, and seamless reintegration into a fully hybrid work model have made balancing my career and motherhood so much easier.

Chiamaka: The hybrid work model has been a game-changer. It allows me to be present for the moments that truly matter. Open days, birthdays, PTA meetings, Interhouse sports Competitions (I never miss the parents’ race, I must flex and win that medal for my girl!). It’s not just about flexibility; it’s about being actively involved in her life.

Damilola: The three months of remote work really eased my transition back to professional life. It gave me time to adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly supported by your colleagues or management as a working mother?

Yewande: When my baby’s crèche was on midterm break, and he was sick, I had no live-in nanny at the time. I explained my situation to my line manager, and the leadership team granted me the flexibility to work remotely that week. That support made a huge difference.

Chiamaka: After her mother passed, my daughter struggled. She became withdrawn, and as much as I tried, I felt helpless. I turned to my EVP, Group Marketing and Communications, Cherry Eromosele, for motherly advice, and not only did she offer guidance, but she also checked in on both of us regularly. That kind of support, the kind that goes beyond the workplace means everything.

Damilola: God bless my colleagues, especially Faith and Solomon. While I was working remotely, they supported me with tasks I was meant to handle physically. That meant so much to me.

If you could implement one additional workplace initiative to support working moms, what would it be?

Chiamaka: An on-site crèche within the office would be a dream. Knowing your child is safe and nearby while you work would ease so much stress for new mothers. Will it though? Chiamaka: I think it will. Yewande, you agree? Yewande: Yeah, on-site childcare would be amazing.

Hmmmm Yewande: And a massage day for all moms once a year—because we deserve it!

Damilola: A network of moms

Like a “Mum group chat”? Damilola: Sort of. A place where new moms can ask questions and get support without judgement. A space to share experiences and navigate career and family life.

How has adoption shaped your understanding of love, patience, and resilience?

Chiamaka: It’s happened in ways I never could have imagined. Adoption has taught me that motherhood isn’t about biology, it’s about choice. It’s waking up every day and choosing to love, even on the hardest days.

What advice would you give to someone considering adoption or starting the journey?

Chiamaka: Forget labels like ‘gentle parenting’ or ‘strict parenting’. What has guided me through this journey is ‘God-parenting’. Faith has been my anchor. Adoption isn’t about replacing or filling a gap; it’s about expanding your heart, embracing the unknown, and walking in grace every step of the way.