Balancing your life with a new member of the family is tough. Newborns need constant care and attention. When you are in a Job that demands a lot of your time, and energy, it can get even tougher. Maternity leaves are not long enough to help you recuperate and enjoy motherhood. A child needs care until the time he has grown up to be at least a teenager; which can range from 12- 18 years of age depending on each individual.

Although, Parenting is a responsibility of both the father and the mother, yet mothers take up the responsibility solely on themselves quite often. Paternity leave is still quite rare.

More women are in the workforce today than that has ever been. The total woman workforce has increased to 16.2 % from 13.4 % in 1980’s in Urban areas with fixed salaries.

They suffer from excessive guilt if they are not able to take care of their child and suffer a loss of self-esteem when they leave work to become a full-time mother.This situation is crucial for working moms and often leads them to a cycle of depression.

Here are some tips and tricks on how  to flourish in life for women who have taken up motherhood without compromising on a full-time career:

Get away with the feelings of Guilt

Do not dwell on the thoughts of not being able to spend time and care more for your child, instead focus on the good that you are doing for the family by bringing in additional income. You can put your child to the desired hobby classes and save for their college degrees with extra income that you bring home. Accept the good and the bad days and take the support of friends, support groups or a therapist to get over your feelings of excessive guilt.

Take time to choose quality childcare

Nannies, daycares and babysitters can provide you with a lot of support during this troubling time of growing a child. Create a list of criteria that are essential for your baby before shortlisting on the kind of daycare that your baby needs. look out for nannies who have a history of long-term commitments which would mean that they are adaptable to various age groups and would save you the trouble of onboarding and offboarding.

Start the Morning on a relaxed note

Do all the preparation in the night for the next day like packing tiffin, shortlisting the outfit, arranging your bags (for both yourself and your baby) etc. This will make your morning easy, relaxed and productive. Make time to exercise or do outdoor activities together instead.

Organise the entire week on the weekends

Use a calendar that is easily accessible to you, your children and the helpers around the children. Plan activities with your kids after your work like playdates with their friends, visit the zoo etc. Accompany them in these activities at least twice a week. Ask the nanny to look into the calendar and plan and get the kids ready according to the plan of the particular day.

Talk with your employer

Let the HR manager and your boss know your needs if you are already employed. Ask for the flexibility that you need and assuring on the productivity. If you are joining a new Job after a baby, research on whether other employees are given flexibility so that you can negotiate.

Stay connected

With technological advancements, it is not difficult to be connected to people all around the world. TAKE ADVANTAGE! Use Skype, WhatsApp or other video call platforms to stay connected to your child when he is doing something important or when he is cranky. Hearing your voice and seeing your face will give him assurance that you are within reach always.

Take care of yourself

Most of your time is taken up by your family or work. It is important to pamper yourself by taking out your “ME-TIME” every day out of your hectic schedule. Soak into a book, have a cup of coffee, do meditation or yoga. Take an appointment to a spa or salon once in 15 days. Meet your friends or plan for a movie without kids with your partner.

You are going to be the role model for your little munchkins who grow up to be responsible humans one day. It is not only you but also your relationship with your partner and work that matters to these little people watching you and making meaning out of every action you do. You cannot do it if you are Cranky, sad, cribbing or depressed and this is possible only when you prioritize your needs apart from others around you.

Also, read our Blog on POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.