Balancing Work and Baby: My Journey as a New Mom and Photographer
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either expecting or have recently welcomed a little one into the world. And trust me when I say this: it is possible to balance work and take care of your baby.
Hi, I’m Barkha Agarwal, a maternity and newborn photographer based in Gurgaon. My brand, Memories by Barkha, captures the most precious moments for new moms and families. But let me also introduce myself as a mom to my beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Diya. Like many new moms, I faced the daunting challenge of balancing my growing business while caring for a newborn. There were tough days and sleepless nights, but the key was learning how to make it all work together.
Here’s what I learned and wish I had known earlier:
1. Have Clarity on Your Priority;
The first step to balancing work and baby is to be crystal clear on what needs to be done. Whether it’s a new business or project, identify the main goals and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the big picture, focus on taking small steps toward your goal. Clarity truly brings mastery, as Robin Sharma says.
2. Time Blocking
One thing that would have saved me a lot of stress early on is time blocking. You don’t need 90 minutes of uninterrupted time; even 15-minute blocks can make a huge difference. Whenever Diya (daughter) went down for a nap, I used that precious time to get work done. It could be something as simple as answering emails or updating an Excel sheet, but those little accomplishments add up.
3. Schedule Your Calendar
Even though it may seem impossible to have a schedule when caring for a newborn, overlapping time with your partner, family, or friends can give you pockets of uninterrupted time to focus on work. For example, if your partner can watch the baby for an hour on weekends, make the most of that time. Put it in your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable
4. Outsource and Ask for Help
As new moms, we often feel like we have to do everything ourselves—but that’s just not sustainable. Whether it’s hiring a nanny for a few hours or outsourcing tasks for your business, don’t hesitate to seek help. Be specific when you ask for assistance, whether it’s from family members or a freelancer, so that you can carve out time for work and self-care.
5. Create a Personal Happiness List
Lastly, take time for you. As a mom and a business owner, I initially neglected self-care, which led to burnout. Now, I make sure to have a personal happiness list—whether it’s getting a pedicure or going off-roading—and I schedule that in, just like I would a work meeting. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Balancing work and motherhood is no easy feat, but it’s absolutely doable. You don’t have to choose one over the other. With clarity, time management, and a bit of help, you can thrive both as a mom and a professional. If you have any questions or thoughts, drop them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you all the love and success in your journey.
Barkha Agarwal
