Despite a constant quest for Work-Life Balance very few have found an acceptable definition. There are no one-size fits all balance, for everyone has different priorities at various points in their lives. Balance does not mean juggling work and motherhood perfectly and having everything streamlined to perfection. That happens only in the movies! It has more to do with understanding one's limitations and working around it. It means learning to make adjustments whether it is connected to your work schedule or your baby's priorities. It means accepting the fact that nobody can be a Supermom. Research indicates that women attempting the Supermom role are more prone to depression than those who cut themselves some slack.

Here are some tips to make the transition smooth:

To-do tasks before you resume work

Start planning for your return to work at least a week or more in advance. You may want to check if your work wear fits your post-delivery figure, have that much needed haircut and stock up on diapers and other essentials. If you are planning on a babysitter, try her out when you are around in the house so that your baby can get used to her or if you have decided on a crèche do try it out a few days before you start work. This will enable you to iron out the likely adjustment issues and ease the stress on your first day of work.

Plan your return to work

Try and explore a part-time schedule for the first few weeks or months if your office permits it. It would help if you join mid-week so that you get time to adjust to your new schedule and make it easier for your baby as well to get used to your absence.

Plan your schedule

Lay out the baby's and your clothes the previous night itself and pack the baby's bag if you are dropping him off at the crèche. Work backwards from the time you have to leave for work and make a note of the time you need to cook, bathe, eat and get ready. Make enough provisions for the traffic lock jams and plan to arrive at office at least 10 minutes before time, so that you have time to centre yourself and get into the groove at work.

Prioritise your tasks at work

Complete your most important tasks during the first half of the day. This will enable you to get a sense of control over your schedule and leave you enough time to tackle the less important ones later in the day. Do remember that you may get called to pick up a cranky baby or take a sick baby to the paediatrician at any given time. The first year of your baby's life may be a series of colds, fevers and ear infections especially if he is in a crèche. The flip side being his immune system building up!

Ask for help

Whether at home or at the office don't be hesitant to ask for help. You can ask a colleague to cover for you in a crunch and return the favour at another time. At home ask your husband to help you with some chores. Don't assume that he knows what you would like him to do. Very often new dads feel helpless too! They may want to participate but may not know how.

Fraternise with other Moms

Sharing baby stories with other moms and exchanging information will make you feel less overwhelmed. So make it a point to seek out other moms at the workplace or elsewhere. A word of caution here: do take care that you don't overdo the ‘baby talk' with other colleagues.

Set boundaries

Set clear limits and boundaries at work and leave when you complete your day's work. Learn to say no at home too and resist the urge to take on more than you can chew.

Dealing with guilt

Reflect on the reasons for your guilt and write them down. It would also help to write down the reasons for wanting to work. This will not only help you gain perspective but also assuage your guilt. Accept the fact that you may miss some of the important milestones like your baby's first words or first attempts at crawling or walking. Allow yourself to mourn the loss and acknowledge them. If you still feel guilty, take a day off and spend a relaxed day enjoying your baby.

Dealing with grandparent babysitters

In India it is often the grandparents who baby-sit and though this is a huge help, it can also put pressure on your relationship with them. Make sure that you organize some help for them in terms of someone to help them out with the physical chores so that they only have a supervisory role. It is unfair to expect them to take the onus entirely and bind them down. Do also make sure that you discuss the guidelines especially on discipline. This can be a bugbear and lead to misunderstandings. Once you have a clear understanding, don't micro manage everything that they do. Be grateful for their presence in your baby's life for there is nothing more comforting than leaving your baby in the care of someone who will love them as much as you do.

Nurture your relationship with your spouse

And don't forget the most important relationship of that with your partner. Spend time on your marriage, for often we find ourselves so embroiled in our parental roles that we forget to be a spouse! Take time off for that romantic dinner at least once a month if not more often and resist ‘parentspeak' at such times!

Ultimately you know best what your work responsibilities are and those of your family. Make sure you give it your best shot at important projects at work. Learn to trust your instincts as far as motherhood is concerned, it never fails! Early motherhood gives you the privilege of being your baby's centre of the universe. Enjoy this precious time for it is not too long before you lose this spot!