#Mumswithoutbabysitters: Preeti Juneja Shares Her Story

In January, 2010 I delivered a beautiful baby, and re-joined work, as a senior marketing manager, as soon as my three-month maternity leave was over. With my baby wrapped in my arms, I launched a new marketing campaign for a technology software company. From making phone calls to drafting press releases all day long, I attended to everything it took to make this campaign a success. Yes, it was a success with great media coverage and awards. Handled, online demos while my baby slept, feed him milk while making phone calls. When I come to think of it now, those were extremely crazy days, and wonder how I managed.

Initially, I worked from home, but my work hours were such that my work often extended till late in the evenings too. I had house help but with a restless kid, it seemed like I was the only one doing everything. Balancing both was getting difficult as my baby was growing, sleeping less and becoming more active. Tossing and flipping my time was common, from laptop to 'I'll be there, 1 sec baby', and back again to work.

I recall breastfeeding my son and drafting emails at the same time. It was bizarre. At times, I would also put calls on mute to spare the caller, the sounds of my baby crying in the background. I would pass the baby to my brother-in-law and attend important conference calls and online meetings from another room. I’ve even stepped out for official dinners.

I adjusted work according to my son’s schedule. As, I was working constantly on something or the other, he learnt my ‘no playing during office hours’ rule. In the evening, we would go play at the park.

I mostly worked independently, and owed my work responsibilities a 100%. How I managed it, rested on me.

My son would play around in the hotel lobby with the nanny, while I attended meetings, and seminars. At home I keep him busy with newspaper and toys. We sailed through, he is a fine kid and I have a great job. I now head marketing and sales at LOGINWORKS Softwares.

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