Healthy Maternity

Planning for a Baby

We know that deciding to have a child is a major life decision - one that will impact you in many ways.

Only you and your partner know when you are ready to start a family. Though you may get a lot of advice and suggestions from well-meaning people, ultimately the decision is yours. Some concerns you may face during this phase are:

• Are we ready to be parents?
• How will it impact my career?
• My spouse and I are not on the same page...how to we take this decision?
• I'm not able to conceive. I'm facing pressure from in-laws. How do I cope?
• I have my own career goals and dreams. I'm worried about whether I'll ever be able to properly get back to work after my baby.

The articles in this section will help you think through the emotional aspects of planning for a baby. Make an informed choice, at the right time, for the right reasons. Prepare your body for pregnancy. Deal with the emotional impact of infertility and family pressure.

Bon voyage!

Pregnant at Work

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Whether you are a first or second time mother, being pregnant and going to work is no piece of cake. Your body is going through many changes and your emotions may be volatile too. In the early stages of your pregnancy, you may be more concerned about your health and the health of your growing baby. Later on as you get closer to your due date, you may have apprehensions about delivery, the handover of your work, etc.

The articles in this section will help you deal with specific aspects you may face during your 3 trimesters such as:

• How do I manage my work and commute while feeling sick?
• How do I deal with my workload plus doctor's visits?
• How do I manage healthy weight gain and ensure proper nutrition for my baby?
• How do I plan a successful handover of my work?

Learn how to take care of yourself during pregnancy and still remain professional, plan ahead for maternity leave and childcare, deal with mood swings and physical challenges, and enjoy this unique and beautiful stage of life.

Maternity Leave

Congratulations on your new baby!

There is nothing quite as miraculous or breath taking as a newborn baby. We hope you enjoy every moment of cuddling with your little one and getting to know him or her. As you marvel at your little one's tiny toes and soft skin, you may also have the need to look up practical tips, for example, how to manage a diaper rash, how to burp your baby effectively, etc. As a working mom, you may have additional thinking points such as:

• When my leave is over, how do I manage babycare as I'm on my own?
• How will I manage once my mother/mother in law leaves?
• How do I give adequate time to both my first and second born?

Learn how to successfully cope with the first few months, manage sleep deficit, breastfeeding issues, baby weaning, worries as a new parent, reconnecting as a couple, and think about the transition back to work.

Return to Work

Congratulations on returning to work!

As you are aware, maternity is the point at which so many women drop out of the workforce because it is not possible for them to manage both children and work. The fact that you have returned to work is itself an accomplishment that you should not discount!

Naturally as a working mother you will face many challenges. The word 'busy' has probably taken on a new meaning for you. If only the day had 25 or 26 hours so you could squeeze in a little time for yourself. The articles in this section will aid you in the search for that elusive thing known work-life balance. Specific concerns such as:

• Finding good childcare
• Managing evening work requirements and days when my baby falls sick
• How to spend quality time with your child
• Sharing household responsibilities with your spouse
• Settling my baby in daycare

From working woman to working mother – how to transition back to work smoothly, decide on childcare, cope with guilt, leaving your baby for the first time, reconnecting with your team, and finding a balance that works for you.