The Hidden Struggles of Gut Issues at Work as a Millennial Mom

As a millennial working mom, I already wake up every day juggling responsibilities—packing lunches, answering emails, making sure the kids are where they need to be, and then somehow showing up at work ready to function. But what most people don’t see is the hidden battle I fight daily: living with gut issues.

For me, it’s not just occasional discomfort. It’s constant bloating, embarrassing gas, and the frustrating need to rely on medicine just to stay regular. Even when I eat clean, my body still feels like it’s working against me. And at work—where I can’t retreat to my sweats, a heating pad, or my couch—it becomes a whole different kind of challenge.

Trying to Stay Professional While Uncomfortable

Workplaces are not designed for people dealing with digestive struggles. Sitting in an office chair for hours when you’re bloated feels like torture. Dress pants dig into your stomach, meetings drag on when you’re trying to hide discomfort, and all you want is the freedom to move, stretch, or just breathe without worrying about appearances.

At home, I can grab tea, apply a heating pad, or curl up in my safe space. At work, I’m stuck faking normalcy while my body screams otherwise. The disconnect is exhausting.

The Mental Toll on Productivity

Gut issues don’t just affect the body—they cloud the mind. When I’m bloated or uncomfortable, I can’t focus on projects the way I want to. My brain is split between trying to look “okay” on the outside and managing pain on the inside. Deadlines feel heavier, small tasks seem overwhelming, and by the time I get home, I’m already drained. It’s frustrating because I want to give my best at work and still have energy left for my kids. But gut struggles steal that balance, and it’s something many people just don’t understand.

Small Ways I Cope

While I’m still figuring it out, I’ve found a few small strategies that help me push through the workday:

Peppermint tea during breaks to calm my stomach.

Looser clothing whenever I can get away with it—it makes a world of difference.

Stretching or short walks to relieve the pressure of sitting all day.

Packing safe snacks so I’m not left second-guessing every option in the break room. They don’t erase the problem, but they give me a little more control in an otherwise unpredictable situation.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re a working mom dealing with gut health struggles, please know you’re not the only one. The physical discomfort is real, but so is the emotional toll it takes. Some days, it feels impossible to show up for work, kids, and myself—but I keep going. And if you’re in the same boat, I see you.

We may not be able to control how our bodies react every day, but we can remind ourselves that strength isn’t just in pushing through—it’s in acknowledging the struggle and finding ways, big or small, to cope.

This is Part One of my series on gut health as a millennial working mom. Next up: [Clean Eating but Still Bloated – The Frustration is Real].