Franca Lehfeldt, the 35-year-old journalist and entrepreneur, is making a swift return to the public eye just four weeks after giving birth to her first child with husband Christian Lindner, 46. Lehfeldt announced her comeback on Instagram, revealing that she will take the stage at the Online Marketing Rockstars Festival (OMR) in Hamburg on May 5, 2025. She is set to participate in a panel discussion titled "How Social Media is Changing the Media Industry - Digital Disruption and New Communication Channels," alongside moderator Lola Weippert, 29.
On April 9, 2025, the couple shared their joy in welcoming their child through a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, "We are overjoyed and feel immense gratitude that we are now a family," accompanied by a touching black-and-white photo of their baby's hands. The gender of their newborn has not been publicly confirmed.
Lehfeldt's decision to return to work so soon after childbirth has sparked discussions about the expectations placed on working mothers. In January, she had already made it clear that she would not be taking maternity leave, asserting that as a self-employed individual, she was not bound by the statutory maternity leave regulations. "The idea of only being able to watch from the sidelines sounds very burdensome to me, and I am grateful to be able to continue working," she had stated.
Despite her proactive stance, Lehfeldt faced criticism following her announcement. Some media outlets questioned whether her brief maternity leave was adequate. In response, she expressed her frustration on social media, asking, "When do working mothers no longer have to justify themselves?" In a statement, she emphasized, "Just a few weeks after giving birth, I am publicly returning to my job. Subtly, 'T-Online' questions whether this makes me a good mother. We live in 2025 - questions about a woman's and family's self-determination should not be judged from a distance. It’s always about individual life situations and decisions. Unfortunately, our society still lacks respect for one another."
Lehfeldt's views resonate with many who advocate for the right of mothers to choose their paths without societal judgment. She argues that each mother should have the autonomy to decide when it is right for her to return to work, a sentiment that reflects broader discussions about gender equality in the workplace.
Christian Lindner, who has also spoken about their shared responsibilities as parents, reiterated their commitment to co-parenting. In various interviews, he has emphasized that they plan to approach parenting as equal partners, aiming for a 50/50 division of responsibilities. "We have agreed to tackle this together in a partnership, each contributing our share," he stated in a podcast, highlighting the importance of shared care work.
Lehfeldt, who launched her consulting firm 'Lehfeldt&' in 2023, is determined to maintain her professional commitments while navigating motherhood. Her decision to return to work has sparked a larger conversation about the societal expectations placed on mothers, particularly regarding the balance between career and family life.
The dialogue surrounding Lehfeldt's return is not just about her personal choices but also reflects a growing recognition of the diverse experiences of working mothers today. As more women take on leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures, the pressure to conform to traditional expectations can be overwhelming.
In an era where discussions about gender equality and parental leave policies are increasingly relevant, Lehfeldt's situation underscores the need for a cultural shift. Many advocate for policies that support both parents in balancing work and family life, recognizing that shared responsibilities can lead to healthier family dynamics.
Lehfeldt's experience resonates with countless mothers who face similar dilemmas, and her candid approach to discussing these issues serves as an inspiration for others. She embodies the modern working mother, navigating the complexities of career and family, and challenging societal norms along the way.
As she prepares to take the stage at the OMR festival, Lehfeldt not only marks her return to the spotlight but also continues to advocate for the rights of working mothers. Her journey reflects a broader narrative of empowerment and self-determination, encouraging women everywhere to define their paths on their own terms.
