Power Moms

Debamita Saha, a new mother based in Kolkata who is an independent medical practitioner, has resumed work partially now that her daughter is six months old. She has cut her working hours by half compared to when she was working regularly till two months before her daughter was born. “My child is my top priority now. I would like to spend as much time with her as possible. But I also cannot afford to not work. I have started my private practice and now I know I would really need to stay very disciplined to balance everything,” says Debamita, who did not want to reveal her real name. She feels a double income is required to take care of the added expenses and responsibilities now that her nuclear family has expanded. Several women like Debamita choose to maintain a work-life balance but many prioritise the child over work by choice or because of circumstances such as lack of...