Daily Hacks for Working Moms

Every mother will relate to the fact that their daily routine gets re-worked as per their baby or toddler’s timings. Working mommies need to juggle their baby’s routine and their own work routine to strike a balance. Nothing ever works to perfection and we know that we just need some simple tricks which work most of the time. Some listed below have been shared by a few ladies who have mastered the craft of being a mother and a career woman (well, almost).

1. Take time out at night to lay out one or two possible sets of clothes you and the baby would wear in the morning. Get the baby ready first. In case she pukes or needs a diaper change, it is best your office wear is in no danger.
2. Make it a team work. You don’t need to do everything. Involve the baby’s father in daily care. From diaper changes to dropping off the baby to baby-sitting or doctor’s visits.
3. Choose comfortable, no fuss fabrics and cuts for daily wear. Soft cotton, chiffon or crepe tops, tunics and kurtis work best in Indian weather. Pair them with leggings or salwars or jeans. If you like wearing tailored or structured clothing or this is a requirement at your workplace, then the first tip is perfect for you. If your laundry or dhobi sends someone to pick up clothes once a week and returns them ironed, use the opportunity. Save the time and effort!
4. Be aware of your body type and shop clothing and colours to flatter your type. Don’t shop with the mind-set to hide your “not-so-perfect” spots. Make maximum use of the trial rooms and make sure you buy things that you are sure would be comfortable, easy to wear and make you look good. Accept yourself as you are. You have been through a beautiful (painful and stressful, too) process of childbirth and nobody decides what you should look like. ONLY you get to decide that.
5. You don’t need full make-up and personal care. Ditch the concealer, brushes, sponges etc. We don’t need a Kardashian contour! Even make up is not for hiding imperfections. Stop the thought process of “hiding.” Know your own body. Highlight natural assets. Line your eyes with kajal or highlight cheekbones with a subtle cream blush. A lip balm and a few basic shades of lipstick are enough for daily use. Go for a foundation or a BB/CC cream which has good SPF, so you don’t need additional sun screen.
6. If you don’t have the time or inclination for make-up, just get your basics in place. Never skip on good cleansing and moisturising. Get a product with multiple benefits. Go for organic or herbal moisturisers which also have SPF and a tint. Add a tinted face powder. Scrub your face and body once a week on your day off. Choose a face wash which is also a cleanser. Invest in a good quality aloe vera gel. It acts as a toner and moisturiser for face and body and also doubles up as a primer.
7. Keep hair care also simple. Oil it overnight on the last day of your work week, before sleeping. Again, choose something herbal with multiple benefits. On days when there is no time for oiling at night, just make a paste of aloe vera gel, lemon and honey in 2:1:1 and apply to hair for an hour. Wash off with regular shampoo. Choose a mild herbal shampoo which also has conditioning agents. There are instances where new mothers face hair fall and thinning after childbirth. Make sure you don’t neglect this and consult a specialist.
8. More importantly, don’t skip on the “me time.” Keep that favourite activity on – afternoon tea or morning coffee or the evening walk or the weekend de-stress. Whatever makes you happy, keep doing it.
9. Your children need to grow up independent and also respect your individuality. Let them grow up to respect your family and social responsibilities, your work routine and your personal space and life choices. Involve them with your life as they grow up. Children have a deep understanding of their own; don’t underestimate this quality and let it shape up with your child’s own unique thoughts.
10. Learn to leave behind the guilt. You have your own reasons to keep working. Finance, future planning, a better life for your children or because you just love your job and career…it is your choice.

It is important to stay happy and raise good citizens for a better tomorrow. We need to work towards a future where working moms have a right to better choices during pregnancy and delivery, including leave policies and childcare facilities. This may take years of effort, but it all begins with us. Let’s add our own humble drop and one day, the ocean would be full of possibilities.