Working Mom... Indian Style

So, this is a combined blog about baby as well as about India.

I went back to work on April 1st. I was nervous, a little reluctant, but also excited to see the students again, whom I really love teaching. I knew they were excited to see me which made it easier. But leaving Daniel after being with him all day, everyday, was hard. But, I kept telling myself that so many women go through this, and that I really have the most ideal situation to go back to.

Case in point:

• We have a part time maid who does dishes, laundry, dusting, and other basic cleaning.
• We have a driver, allowing us to spend that time paying attention to Daniel (especially when he starts to fuss about being in the car seat).
• Our grocery store delivers, they know us personally and even go and buy things for us even if they don't have it in the store.
• Take out dinner is cheap, fast, and easy for those nights we don't/can't cook.
• Daniel comes to school with me (there is a small nursery room dedicated for teacher babies). Nataline, who has been our maid, graciously agreed to be his nanny. She is fabulous, caring for him with the greatest love and attention possible. He loves her! And, she still tries her best to take care of me- making sure I have lunch, that we have water, bread, and all the basics in the house.
• Most days, my schedule at school allows me to continue to breastfeed.
• I have the utmost support and understanding from the staff at ASB.
• Let's face it, Daniel is a rock star with adoring fans wherever he goes in the school.

Now, it's still not perfect. Even though he's at school with me, his schedule and mine don't always match, resulting in either missed sleep or delayed feedings. The worst was when we had a miscommunication about the schedule and he went way too long without eating and all three of us were crying when I was finally able to feed him. I've struggled to find time to pump, and in a "21st century" designed school with all open classrooms and windows for walls, there isn't a great place to pump where I don't feel like I'm on display or in the way (even though the staff has been so supportive about it, it still feels strange as there are still students or local staff around) and when I do actually pump, I'm lucky if I can get out a measly ounce or two (which he devours in about 3 seconds). So, then I've gone through the battle of feeling guilty about having to or caving into supplementing with a formula bottle now and then. Also, it's a long day for Daniel, which has resulted in many absolute meltdowns in the car (which in Mumbai afternoon traffic can make 40 minutes seem like an eternity).

But, overall, it's been really positive. I'm still so thankful to be able to continue to breastfeed, and that he is with me at school. I've come to the conclusion that all employers should have a daycare. It's not only good for mom and baby, it's good for the community. Everyone LOVES him and he brightens their day. The staff loves taking a minute to hold him or play with him. My students are so in love with him and it's brought me closer to them in a whole other way. It's brought me closer to the greater community as well- parents, staff and students I don't even teach have gone out of their way to welcome him into this world and support me as a new mother. I am still overwhelmed with their generosity and affection. I know Reid feels the same way. Daniel is flourishing in such a loving environment. And though it's been a transition for us both, I don't think we could have asked for a better situation.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Though I know we will be welcomed with equal amounts of love and support back home, there are parts of this equation we cannot recreate in the US. We will definitely miss our ASB village, and treasure these first few months of Daniel's life with them.

Rachel

*side note- nothing has been more fun than seeing the joy Daniel brings to Indians and other strangers we meet when we're out and about. Our favorite are the little old Indian ladies that just light up, touch his feet and then kiss their hands/fingers and look up at the sky in praise/thanks for him. I've been told I'm a beautiful mother, that he has amazing eyes, and a favorite joke is when we meet other little girl babies that we should fix an arranged marriage right then and there. Do American's love babies this much? Are they as open and welcoming with strangers? I guess we'll find out.