Wellbeing

Returning to work: a soft landing for you both

4 min read · MyBloomingBelly editorial

Know your rights first: India’s Maternity Benefit Act gives 26 weeks of paid leave for your first two children (12 weeks from the third), applicable in establishments with 10 or more employees. Larger workplaces (50+) must provide a crèche facility, and you are entitled to nursing breaks until baby is 15 months old. Many employers also allow a work-from-home arrangement afterwards by mutual agreement — ask; the law explicitly contemplates it.

Start the caregiver transition two to three weeks early, in widening circles: first an hour with grandma or the nanny while you are in the next room, then a morning while you step out, then a full practice day. Baby learns the new arms; you learn that they will be okay; the caregiver learns the routines while you are still reachable.