After the maternity leave
Some tips for new moms who are getting back to work.
It's been a year since I'm back from my maternity leave. Life and work have treated me well in the last one year. From saying bye every morning to my six month old (which didn't really mean anything to her) to seeing her wave me goodbye today.

I thought let me share some thoughts here which might be of use to new moms and moms to be:
1. The first month of being back from ML is going to be the toughest. Both physically and emotionally. But the good thing is your body and mind will learn to cooperate. So don't fret and strain unnecessarily.
2. Your baby will be fine- whether you have a caretaker at home or you leave him/her at a creche. Realising this is going to reduce the mind share on this and get more productive things done.
3. Some nights are going to be difficult. My little one used to take to more feeds from me (this is a way of bonding) and it would be morning already.
This is especially true during growth spurts. It's just a phase. Both of you will learn to deal with it.
4. Never ever say no to an opportunity or project 'thinking' how it would affect the baby. Talk to your manager and stakeholders before taking a decision. Sometimes we miss so many things in life only because we did not ask.
5. Come to realize the fact that your baby will adjust even if you are not around a couple of nights. If you think taking that business trip is important please do. However, there is no steadfast rule that we need to take business trips.
6. Don't allow people to assume or complete your sentences. (This is especially true about work hours). Whether you deliver quality work on time is more important. When and how is totally up to you.
7. Each day will be different. Learn to appreciate it because it's going to give you a new lesson.
8. Cherish every moment because before you realize you little cherub will be all grown up.
