Inbal Sivan
- Vivian Chu, 38, co-founded Diligent Robotics, creating robots for healthcare facilities.
- She welcomed her first child earlier this year.
- Chu expressed surprise at the lack of nursing rooms at major tech events.
This narrative is based on a discussion with Vivian Chu, 38, cofounder and Chief Innovation Officer of Diligent Robotics. The company focuses on automating hospital tasks. The conversation has been condensed for clarity.
Starting a business was a priority for me, even more so than having children.
First, I launched Diligent Robotics, and then I embarked on the journey of starting a family.
My wife and I are raising two young children. Our eldest is two years and seven months, and our youngest is 10 months old.
My wife gave birth to our first child, and I delivered our second. She humorously insisted it was my turn.
Embracing Long-Term Balance
Before becoming a parent, my life was quite structured with regular gym visits and focused work sessions. Parenthood shifted that dynamic.
I still value balance, but not on a daily basis. I once heard that balance is about the timeframe you consider.
Expecting daily balance is unrealistic, but over weeks, months, or even a year, it becomes achievable.
I now view balance over extended periods, ensuring quality family time. Previously, I could allocate hours for exercise or work within a day.
That’s no longer feasible.
Finding Routine Through Breastfeeding
My smartwatch nudges me awake at 6 a.m. I start by checking Slack and emails, as our business operates around the clock, serving hospitals.
Rising early allows me to prepare as a mother of a 10-month-old, still breastfeeding, and begin my first pumping session.
Managing caffeine intake is a challenge with breastfeeding. I concoct a mix of half-regular, half-decaf coffee each morning to get some caffeine without overdoing it.
I aim to pump every three to four hours to maintain my milk supply.
This schedule helps me organize meetings and meals around these intervals.
While pumping, I often tackle emails and tasks at my desk.
Breastfeeding demands energy, so I’ve adopted a nightly snack routine around 9 p.m., something I never did before. I opt for Greek yogurt with fruit and peanuts for a protein-rich, low-sugar option.
At 9:30 p.m., I revisit my work to address any urgent matters.
I use this time to plan the next day’s priorities, ensuring my pumping sessions are scheduled, as meetings can shift.
My final pump of the day is at 10:30 p.m.
Addressing Overlooked Needs
Being the birth parent has been a unique experience. While I had a routine with our first child, this is different. It highlights the need for more discussions on navigating motherhood, including travel logistics and necessary equipment.
One frustration I’ve encountered is the lack of consideration for nursing mothers at conferences.
At a conference with 2,000 attendees, there was no designated mother’s room, forcing me to use the bathroom for pumping.
Only the Bezos Mars Conference impressed me with a dedicated mother’s room that livestreamed the event, ensuring I didn’t miss key sessions.
I’ve also found airport nursing rooms to be well-equipped, which is reassuring.
We need to continue these conversations to raise awareness about parental challenges and necessary services.
The Importance of a Support Network
Having a reliable support system is essential.
We employ two part-time nannies, not simultaneously, but as a backup if one is unavailable.
We’re fortunate to have my parents and the children’s grandparents actively involved, often staying with us for extended periods.
However, there are days when no one is available, and prioritization becomes crucial.
A colleague shared that he exhausted all his support options and had to miss an investor meeting.
Such situations are inevitable.
Timing Family Life
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career. One piece of advice from my cofounder, also my Ph.D. advisor, stands out.
She said, “There’s never a perfect time to start a family. Life will always present challenges. Do what’s best for you, and things will work out.”
This wisdom has guided me, knowing that while founding a company is challenging, we can make it work.
