I qualified as a Company Secretary and got married in 2009. I was managing my job and balancing home responsibilities as my mother in law was bed ridden. My happiness knew no bounds when I conceived in 2010 with my first baby. Everyone had done every type of tona totka so that I deliver a boy. All that I and my husband wanted was a healthy baby.

The special day arrived and we were blessed with Shaurya. I was 24 then, absolutely clueless about how to handle a baby. We did everything that was suggested by elders, neighbors and not to forget the servants. I started with water and cow’s milk when he was just 4 months old (a big mistake). He was bottle fed as I was not lactating enough. Feeding him wrong things at the wrong time had a bearing on his health which continued till he was 3 years old.

I started coaching students when I was 7 month pregnant, as I had left my job. Shaurya was born in March and exams were in June starting so I couldn’ t take much leave. I took classes up to 14th March, 2011 morning, got admitted in the afternoon and delivered Shaurya on the 15th March. I resumed tuition and home duties within 15 days. I have faced those days when I changed diapers of both my mil and baby together. But I don’t regret it as she was a great teacher to me. It is she who taught me the essence of life. My mother helped me a lot with my first baby. She used to look after him while I took classes.

Then after 5 years, I conceived my second baby. By this time, I had realized my mistake so took a firm decision that I won’t listen to anyone except for doctor and my gut. I took exactly 15 days leave. As parents were getting agitated, I had to start with classes. First 15 days were tough as my daughter needed to be fed very frequently. I managed to continue nursing her and coaching students.

My responsibilities have not changed; I still take classes with Sonakshi in the pram beside me. I take 5 hours classes with breaks in between to feed her. My journey as a mother has been very exciting. I can say that I am a happy mother with both my hands full.

And for mothers to be, I have something to say.

Firstly, always listen to your doctor as they are experts in their field.

Secondly, everyone fights their own battle. The grass is always greener on the other side. So, always look to the brighter aspect of everything.

And most importantly, stop expecting and start giving. If you keep on expecting from your husband or in-laws or parents for that sake, it will only make you sad. Just give your best and you will soon realize that everyone else is doing their duties as well.

— Antara Singh —