I'm a surgeon and my husband's a stay-at-home dad. I knew we couldn't do things the traditional way, but I still have mom guilt.

• As a parent with a demanding job, neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch is sometimes saddled with mom guilt. 
• Missing out on family plans because of work has made her feel like she's let her kids down.
• Grunch has had to take steps to prioritize time at home, including hiring more help at work.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Dr. Betsy Grunch, a neurosurgeon from Georgia, about how she balances her job with being a parent. The following has been edited for length and clarity.