Three kids is a 'beautiful season' but mums face a 'penalty'

Key points

• Several mothers say choosing larger families brings significant financial and career trade-offs. Dian Winata returned to work two weeks after her third child's caesarean birth because she was not eligible for government-funded parental leave.
• Lauren Treweek says motherhood has slowed her marketing career, a setback she calls part of the motherhood penalty. Sociologist Sandra Buchler says the penalty can mean slower career progression and lower retirement savings.
• Paula Gaziero, a stay-at-home mother of three sons, says caring for her children is a sacrifice she chose and sees it as a temporary season.