As a new parent, you’re navigating uncharted territory. While Indian families form a solid support system, parents can still find it unnerving to separate from the baby and pursue their careers. However, with some effective strategies, you can create a healthy balance between your personal and professional life.
Common challenges faced by new parents
Here are some of the common challenges all new parents face and you shouldn’t be feeling alone.
1. Sleep deprivation: Caring for a newborn often leads to severe sleep deprivation. Frequent nighttime wake-ups for feeding, diaper changes and soothing can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
2. Balancing work and family: Juggling work commitments alongside childcare demands can be overwhelming.
3. Financial strain: Raising a child comes with expenses related to healthcare, diapers, clothing and childcare. Managing finances effectively is essential.
4. Relationship changes: Parenthood can impact your relationship with your partner. It’s crucial to maintain effective communication and ensure mutual support.
5. Lack of personal time: New parents often struggle to find time for themselves amidst their responsibilities.
Tips for balancing parenthood and profession
While you struggle with the challenges stated above, here are some major tips to help you ease into the professional world alongside healthy parenthood.
1. Prioritise tasks: Identify the most crucial tasks at work and home. Streamline your efforts by focusing on what truly matters. Have open communication with the leadership to make sure you benefit all new parenthood facilities.
2. Efficient time management: Refine your time management skills. Create a schedule that allocates time for both work and family. Don’t underestimate the value of maintaining a calendar and tracking all your important tasks.
3. Shared goals: Work together with your partner to set shared goals. Discuss childcare responsibilities, work schedules and household chores. You can even keep switching tasks to avoid feeling like you’re missing out on anything related to the baby.
4. Self-care: Take care of yourself. A healthy and rested parent is better equipped to handle both parenting and work responsibilities. It’s important to take healthy breaks and set boundaries. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, find time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, meditation or a phone call with a friend. Don’t overlook your mental health.
5. Embrace the early bird strategy: Wake up a little earlier to squeeze in some work or "me-time" before the baby wakes up.
6. Flexible work arrangements: If you’re concerned about leaving your baby at home, you can explore flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, to ease the burden of balancing both roles. There are hybrid roles available too. You can also work on streamlining your tasks and automating certain repetitive duties to make some spare time.
7. Prepare in advance: Lay out work clothes and pack diaper bags the night before. Meal prep healthy, easy-to-reheat options for the week to avoid last-minute scrambling. Pack healthy snacks and quick nutritious meals for work.
8. Seek support: You don’t have to be a superperson to be a parent. Don’t hesitate to seek help from family, friends or healthcare professionals. Also, feel free to say no to anything that’s not worth your time and patience.
Getting back to work with a baby can be tough but like every other challenge, this is a short-lived one. Work with your partner and communicate your needs well. It certainly takes a village to raise a kid and once you let go of perfectionism, it gets easier to balance your profession and personal life.
Sources:
Healthline
Byram Healthcare
American Academy of Ophthalmology
