Becoming a mother is the most beautiful thing in the world. But let me be honest with you, it’s also terrifying, exhausting, and completely overwhelming, especially in those first few months.
When I brought my baby home from the hospital, I remember sitting on my bed, looking at this tiny little human, and thinking, “Now what?” I had so much love in my heart, but I also had so much fear. What if I drop her? What if I’m doing everything wrong?
If you’re reading this late at night while your baby sleeps (or doesn’t sleep), I want you to know, I’ve been exactly where you are. And I’m writing this to help you through it, mother to mother.
The Reality Nobody Talks About
Growing up in India, I always heard that after delivery, the elders take care of everything. Your mom, your mother-in-law, your aunts, and everyone would be there to help. The new mother just has to rest and bond with the baby.
But my reality was different. And I know many of you are facing the same thing.
Maybe your parents live in another city. Maybe your in-laws are elderly and can’t help much. Maybe your husband has to go back to work after a few days of paternity leave. Suddenly, you’re alone at home with a newborn who needs you 24/7.
I was in a nuclear family setup. My husband had work. My parents could visit only for a week. After that, it was just me and my baby and me. And honestly? I cried a lot in those early days. Not because I didn’t love my child, but because I felt so lost and alone.
What I Faced as a First-Time Mother
Managing the pregnancy journey was quite easy for me, but after the baby, it became quite difficult. Let me tell you the problems I faced, because I know you’re probably facing them too:
Sleepless nights that felt endless. My baby would wake up every two hours. Sometimes every hour. I was so sleep-deprived that I would forget whether I had eaten lunch or not.
Constant fear and doubt. Is she feeding enough? Why is she crying? Is her poop normal? Should I call the doctor? I questioned every single thing I did.
The baby bath terror. Oh my God, bathing a newborn for the first time alone is scary! They’re so slippery and delicate. I was literally shaking the first few times.
Zero time for myself. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom peacefully. Forget about taking a proper shower or eating hot food.
Pressure to “bounce back.” People would ask when I’m joining work again, when I’ll lose the baby weight, and why I look tired. As if I wasn’t already struggling enough.
The guilt. Mom guilt is real. Whatever you do, you feel like you’re not doing enough.
I want you to know that all of this is completely normal. You’re not failing. You’re just learning, and so is your baby.
My First Big Decision: Finding a Remote Job
The first big decision I made was to look for a remote job. I was working before pregnancy, and I knew I’d need to work again, both financially and for my own mental peace. But the thought of leaving my baby and going to an office every day made me anxious.
So I actively searched for work-from-home opportunities. And honestly? It was the best decision I made.
Why remote work made such a difference:
I could be physically close to my baby all the time. Even if I was working, I was in the next room. If something happened, I was there.
I didn’t have to stress about the morning office rush, traffic, or coming back late. That stress alone was huge.
I could manage feeds better. When my baby was hungry, I could breastfeed her without worrying about pumping schedules or bottle feeding.
I could work around his naps. My most productive work hours were when she slept.
I could handle emergencies. If she were sick or cranky, I didn’t have to take leave or worry about leaving her with someone else.
If you have the option—even if it means switching jobs or taking a slight pay cut for a year—I really recommend trying to work remotely, at least until your baby is a little older. It makes managing a newborn alone at home so much easier.
If You Can’t Work Remotely—Hire a Nanny Early
I know not everyone can work from home. Some jobs just require you to be there in person. Some mothers need to return to the office for career reasons. And that’s absolutely okay.
But here’s my advice: If you know you’ll need to go back to the office, hire a nanny when your baby is 2 to 3 months old. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Why so early?
Your baby gets used to the nanny gradually. It’s not a sudden shock when you leave for work.
You get time to observe the nanny, see how she handles your baby, and build trust slowly.
By the time you actually join the office, you already have a backup system in place. You’re not stressed and rushing.
You can train the nanny according to your baby’s routine and your preferences.
In fact, some mothers I know hired help right from day one, especially if they had no family support. There’s no shame in that. If you’re managing a newborn completely alone, getting help is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
One very important thing: Install cameras at home. I did this, and it gave me so much peace of mind. I could check on my baby during work breaks, see how the nanny was handling things, and relax knowing everything was okay. It’s not about not trusting—it’s about being a careful mother.
How I Managed Newborn Care Based on My Work Situation
Every mother’s situation is different. So let me break down what worked for me and what might work for you.
If You’re a Working Mom with a Remote Job (This Was Me)
This was my situation, and I won’t lie—it made life much easier compared to office-going mothers.
What I actually did:
I started waking up very early in the morning, around 5 or 5:30 AM. I know it sounds difficult when you’re already sleep-deprived, but hear me out.
Those early morning hours, before my baby woke up, became my golden work time. The house was quiet. My mind was fresh. I could finish a big chunk of my work without any interruptions.
What this did was give me flexibility during the day. When my baby woke up at 7 or 8 AM, I wasn’t stressed about pending work. I had already completed a lot. So when she needed me, for feeds, for playtime, for naps, I could give her my full attention without guilt.
I also learned to work in short bursts. When she napped, I worked. When she was awake, I focused on her. Some days were smooth. Some days were chaos. But having a remote job meant I could adjust.
If You’re a Working Mom with an Office Job
I have so much respect for mothers who go back to the office. I know it’s incredibly hard.
If this is you, here’s what I learned from other mothers:
Hire help early. This is non-negotiable. You need someone trustworthy at home.
Create a fixed routine. Babies thrive on routine. Fixed feed times, fixed nap times. This helps both the baby and the nanny.
Prepare everything the night before. Your clothes, your baby’s clothes, the diaper bag, work bag—everything. Mornings are already stressful.
Stay emotionally strong. Mom guilt will hit you hard. You’ll cry in the office bathroom. You’ll miss your baby terribly. But remember—you’re doing this for your family. A happy, fulfilled mother raises a happy baby. You’re not abandoning your child; you’re providing for them.
Use your lunch break to call home. Just checking in, hearing your baby’s voice helps so much.
If You’re a Non-Working Mom
If you’re a stay-at-home mother, please know that your work is just as hard. In fact, sometimes it’s harder because you don’t get a break.
What helps:
Don’t try to be a superwoman. You don’t have to cook elaborate meals, keep the house spotless, and take perfect care of the baby all by yourself.
Ask for help. From your husband, from family, from friends. There’s no medal for suffering alone.
Rest when the baby sleeps. I know everyone says this, but please actually do it. Forget the dishes. Forget the laundry. Just sleep.
Don’t compare yourself to Instagram mothers. Real motherhood is messy, exhausting, and unglamorous. And that’s okay.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Taking care of a baby is a full-time job.
Let’s Talk About Cooking (Because This Was Tricky)
Cooking became one of my biggest challenges when I was alone with my newborn. And it’s actually risky if you’re not careful.
My best advice: Hire a cook if you possibly can.
I did this after about a month, and it was life-changing. Here’s why:
You don’t have to take your baby near the kitchen or the stove.
You don’t have the stress of “what to cook” when you’re already exhausted.
You get more time to rest, bond with your baby, or actually get some work done.
It doesn’t have to be expensive. Even someone who comes once a day to cook basic meals helps tremendously.
If you can’t afford a cook or don’t have that option:
Put your baby in a pram or bouncer seat and keep it a little away from the stove—somewhere you can see them, but they’re safe.
Never, ever cook with your baby in your arms. I know we all think we can multitask, but hot oil, boiling water, steam—it’s too dangerous.
Cook simple meals. This is not the time for elaborate recipes. Dal, rice, simple sabzi—basic nutrition is enough.
Meal prep on weekends if possible. When my husband was home, I would prep vegetables, make batters, cook, and freeze some items for the week.
Ask your husband or family members to help with cooking when they’re home.
Small Things That Made a Big Difference
These are small hacks I discovered that really helped me manage better:
I used Alexa to play music or nursery rhymes. When I needed to quickly finish something, I would ask Alexa to play baby songs. It kept my baby entertained for a few minutes.
Soft toys and rattles saved me. Age-appropriate toys that made sounds or were colorful kept my baby occupied while I did quick tasks.
I talked to my baby constantly. Even while working, I would talk to her. “Mama is just sending this email, baby.” “Let’s cook lunch together, okay?” It sounds silly, but it helped both of us. She heard my voice, and I felt less guilty.
I kept everything ready in advance. Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, burp cloths—everything was organized and within reach. I learned this after running around like crazy a few times.
I kept water and snacks near my work area. When you’re breastfeeding, you get so thirsty and hungry. I would keep a water bottle and some dry fruits nearby, so I didn’t have to get up constantly.
I lowered my standards. The house didn’t need to be perfect. I didn’t need to look perfect. My work didn’t need to be 100% perfect every single day. Good enough became my mantra.
You don’t need fancy, expensive things. Simple solutions work best.
The Emotional Side Nobody Prepares You For
Let me be very honest about the emotional rollercoaster.
There were days when I felt like I was failing at everything. Failed as a mother because the baby cried too much. Failed as a wife because I had no energy for my husband. Failed as a professional because I couldn’t give 100% to work.
There were days when I cried while feeding my baby. Not because of her, but because I felt so overwhelmed and alone.
There were days when I felt angry at the world. Why do mothers have to sacrifice so much? Why is it always the mother who has to adjust, to manage, to figure everything out?
But there were also beautiful days.
Days when my baby smiled at me, and everything felt worth it.
Days when I managed to finish my work, keep the baby happy, and even cook a nice meal—I felt like a superhero.
Days when my baby slept peacefully on my chest, and I realized this tiny human trusts me completely.
Both the hard days and the beautiful days are part of this journey. And it’s okay to feel all the feelings.
What I Want You to Remember
I worked remotely, so I know my situation was easier compared to many mothers out there. I had the privilege of being close to my baby while earning. Not everyone has that.
But whether you’re working from home, working from the office, or staying at home full-time, you are doing an amazing job.
Every mother’s journey is different. Every baby is different. What worked for me might not work for you, and that’s completely okay.
Some days will be incredibly hard. You’ll feel like you can’t do this anymore. But you will. You’ll wake up the next day and do it all over again because that’s what mothers do.
Some days you’ll feel strong and capable. Hold on to those days. Remember them when things get tough.
The most important thing: You are not alone. Thousands of mothers in India are going through exactly what you’re going through right now. We’re all figuring it out together.
My Final Words to You
Take help whenever you can. Don’t try to be a martyr. Plan. Whether it’s hiring help, organizing your home, or preparing meals, small planning makes a big difference.
Trust yourself. Your instincts are usually right. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and your best is enough.
Managing a newborn alone at home in India is challenging. Our generation doesn’t have the same support system our mothers had. We’re navigating nuclear families, demanding jobs, and societal expectations all at once. But this journey also teaches you strength, patience, and love you never knew you had.
From one mother to another—you’ve got this. And on the days when you feel like you don’t, reach out. Talk to other mothers, call a friend, cry if you need to. We’re all in this together. Sending you strength and lots of love. You’re going to be just fine. And so is your baby.
