Motherhood is a motherload of work. That’s the reality

‘A baby isn’t a possession, a thing to “want”, however cuddly and cute. It isn’t even a baby for long.’ Photograph: Alamy

Re Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff’s article (I know I want at least one baby. But the more I learn about motherhood, the more terrifying it seems, 12 March), having survived the trauma of childbirth and managed to scrape enough to pay for childcare and a living, there is another aspect to consider: the immense negative impact motherhood would have on your career.

Having successfully worked in the world of media agencies for 15 years, I have now arrived at a firm stop in my career due to being penalised for flexible hours. I cannot physically work 55 hours a week while looking after my two girls.