“We moved to a flat next to my office, found a baby sitter, and employed a cook.” Ambika Arun, a finance professional in an IT company in Bangalore has just returned to full time work after her maternity leave. “It gives a big boost to my self confidence,” she says. A well thought out post pregnancy plan, an understanding employer and a supportive partner helped her make the smooth transition. Ambika admits that she is not spending enough time with her baby boy, but she says, “In the long run I know I will be happy that I did not take a break in my career. I have a flexible work schedule and I ensure my work gets done on time.”
Most working women are anxious when they are away at work leaving their baby behind. “A full-time job is demanding and requires dedication and focus,” says Puja S Navin, a HR professional in Mumbai. She devised a work-from-home solution. “I am consumed by a passion to work as it is a means of self- expression and fulfilment. Yet, I am drawn to keep my commitments to my child – to be there for her when she needs me and be involved in every aspect of her life. I built a work-from-home company in recruitments and the going has been good,” she says. While some choose the flexi work-from-home option, most others are willing to multi-task to strike that magical balancing act.
Women who are still breast feeding their babies are most affected. Says Shilpa Shah, Chief Medical Officer at RK Nature Cure: “As per the WHO norms, breast feeding has to be continued for two years. Once can reduce the frequency of breast feeding by introducing solid foods. Or, explore options to express milk and store it before leaving for work.”
A number of corporate houses have crèches at workplace and encourage new mums to spend time with and breast feed their child. In some cases, a nanny or a caretaker brings the baby to the workplace. “Once the moms figure out the initial challenges, they can easily sail through. Time management is the key. And the balancing act can be very satisfying for the working women,” says Shilpa Shah.
Sushma Purshottam who runs a boutique Juzzkidding (for baby girls) from home refused to take a break to raise kids and is now geared up to take her garment business to the next level. “You keep telling yourself that it’s a matter of two more months that your baby will start to crawl, and then walk and have proper food and manage things. And, it never ends,” she says.
Divya Jaykumar, a physiotherapist for eight years got back to work six months after her maternity leave and is today a happy mother. “My son is three and half now. Luckily, I had supportive in-laws. I would prepare everything for the baby before leaving for work. When I look back, it’s been very satisfying. What is important is one should set aside time after work to reconnect with your baby completely.”
Things that can ease the transition
Leave your baby in safe hands. Family members are usually the most dependable
Make a daily to-do list and tasks for work and home
Don’t hesitate to ask help from your partner, loved ones, and co-workers
Share your thoughts and anxieties if you feel guilty, sad or overwhelmed
Look after yourself
