Returning to work after maternity leave, a first-time mother and Air Force member FLTLT Melinda Cannavo navigates the highs and lows of balancing her military career with new motherhood. This is her story, as told to Sergeant Melina Young.
Returning to work after maternity leave has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
Some days, I feel like I've got everything under control - thriving as both a mum and an Air Force member.
Other days, guilt creeps in. I miss my little boy, and I wonder if I'm doing enough in either role.
When I came back to work last December, I eased into it with a "soft launch".
I came back to work a week before the stand-down to get my head back in the game and align myself, ready to start back full-time in January.
But the transition hasn't been without its challenges. Adjusting to motherhood wasn't simple for me and it wasn't something I could fully prepare for.
It took a long time to admit it, but I needed help. I eventually reached out for mental health support - seeking tools to help me cope.
Speaking to someone outside of my work and home life gave me clarity. It validated the inner chaos I felt.
I knew I had a lot going on, and parts of my life were taking a hit, but hearing those comforting words - that it's OK to feel tired, that it's OK to reset expectations made all the difference.
It's such an emotional time. Hormones are still all over the place, and you're thinking about your child in the care of others.
'Adjusting to motherhood wasn't simple for me and it wasn't something I could fully prepare for.'
Trying to get enough rest has been challenging. Between teething, colds and big developmental leaps, nights can be long. Seeing Oliver stand for the first time was magical, but it was also at 4am.
So, there are good moments and there are tough times. On tough days, I reschedule important work meetings where I can.
I figure things out with my supervisor to get what needs doing done. I lean on a combination of caffeine, fresh air and a sense of humour to make it through.
Then there are the calls from day care - the ones that derail your workday. When Oliver is sick, I work from home if possible or take carer's leave.
But the work doesn't disappear just because I take leave - those days, I find myself logging in again once he's asleep.
Breastfeeding while working has also been a learning curve. I express milk during work hours thanks to the support of dedicated pumping rooms and the privacy of my office.
With Oliver in childcare on base, I can conveniently pop over to feed him.
'With the help of a women's health physiotherapist, I returned to training and completed my first triathlon five months postpartum.'
We've also embraced mixed feeding, using formula when it's more practical. It's all about flexibility and doing what works best for our family.
Staying physically active has been another essential part of my journey. Triathlons and cycling have always been my outlet.
With the help of a women's health physiotherapist, I returned to training and completed my first triathlon five months postpartum. I modified the run, knowing I was still healing from a caesarean.
Finishing wasn't about winning - it was about showing up. Seeing Oliver at the finish line, waving and smiling, made it all worth it.
My colleagues and family have been instrumental in helping me navigate this chapter.
I work compressed hours Monday through Thursday, giving me long weekends with my son. I've been very fortunate to have leadership that supports my flexible work arrangements. I love that I can plan my schedule around both my career and my family.
[My partner] Steve has been a rock, taking parental leave in stages to support us along the way.
My team at RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training has also been incredibly supportive, allowing me to balance my role as officer in charge of movements training with the realities of motherhood.
It's not easy. Motherhood and military service are both demanding. It's OK to ask for help, set boundaries, and give yourself grace.
I've come to see thriving not as doing everything perfectly, but as showing up each day - juggling work and parenthood the best I can.
Every day brings its own challenges - and its own rewards, but with the right support systems in place, it's possible to find a rhythm that works.
