Ready to return to work after maternity leave?

Six months after Ashma Zaveri, 34, delivered a daughter, she was back at her desk in a financial institution. "Initially, it was tough.

I missed not being around my daughter. I may not have been there for the first time she began to crawl or took her first steps. But today, she is five years old and when she sees me heading to office, she says she is going to grow up and work too. That is really nice," says Zaveri.

Between changing nappies, post-natal hormonal changes and breastfeeding the baby, getting back to work is the last thing on a mother's mind. While some mothers may decide to give up careers completely post pregnancy, most continue to multi-task, though the initial months post motherhood might be challenging.

A recent study conducted in the US suggests that six in 10 mothers find readjusting to the workplace challenging, with an average of 3.8 months required to get back into the swing of things. Says psychologist Sadia Raval, "The period of maternity leave differs for every mother. However, doctors say that a baby should be given breastmilk for six months at least. So, one can opt to return to work only post that." If your maternity leave is about to end, here's what you should do to ensure a smooth transition back to work.

BEFORE YOU RETURN TO WORK

Don't feel guilty: Returning to work post maternity leave can be an emotional conflict for many. You might feel guilty of not being around when the child needs you the most. However, let go of the guilt. Remind yourself that working outside the home doesn't make you a bad mother and by working, you are only contributing to your family.

Keep your baby in safe hands: Before returning to work, ensure that your child is in safe hands. Having grandparents at home is the best bet. "My mother-in-law was very supportive when I wanted to head back to work after having a daughter. If I were staying in a nuclear family, I wouldn't have gone back to work," says Zaveri. In case you don't have grandparents at home, ensure that you have a good babysitter or opt for safe daycare options.

Plan ahead: A week prior to your return, start getting organised. Call your colleagues to update yourself on what's happening on the work front. Make work and home to-do lists and divide the tasks with your partner.

WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK

Try flexible hours: It is best to settle into the work mode gradually. If your workplace offers you the option of flexible hours, take it. "I opted for flexible hours at work for six months after I got back. Though I had to clock in eight hours, I could take breaks in between and change my entry and exit time," says Zaveri.

Stay connected: While you don't want to look like an obsessed parent, it is okay to call up home at regular intervals to see how the baby is doing. You could also place your baby's picture on your work desk. Even post work, make sure you reconnect with your baby. According to Raval, attachment with the baby begins from a very early age. As a mother, you should cuddle the baby and make him/her feel your warmth at every possible opportunity once you're back at home from work. This way, the baby knows your touch and will feel secure even when you are not around.

Reward yourself: Even after pregnancy, it is essential to nurse your own well-being and reward yourself once in a while. Unwind and relax after putting your baby to bed and cut down on unnecessary commitments. Build a positive attitude towards work in order to enjoy it.