I love Instagram! It makes connecting with others and sharing your thoughts and ideas so simple. Personally, I’ve connected with so many moms over the past year or so about everything from fed is best to toddler tantrums.
Speaking of which, Bindiya is one of the moms I connected with a few months ago. After following her for a bit, I knew she’d be perfect for my ‘Diary of a Working Mom’ series. She’s a physician with her own practice, and she has an almost one year old!
I don’t want to steal Bindiya’s thunder, so let’s get into her Q&A…
1. Tell me a little more about your family – number of kids, names, ages.
My daughter Soryaya is 11 months. She turns one on February 2nd. I also have a three year old cockapoo, Pyrite Gandhi. My husband and I have been married almost four years. We’ve been together over 13 years (we dated eight years long distance and got married nine years into our relationship).
2. Tell me more about your line of work, role, responsibilities, etc.
I’m a physician and own my own Integrative & Functionary Medicine practice. I opened it in December 2018. I should also mention I was eight months pregnant at the time!
3. Walk me through a day in your life.
My life is atypical right now. I’m still nursing, and I try to squeeze in a meditation session based on how much time I have. So essentially, I wake up, nurse my daughter, and get ready for work. I usually work an eight hour day and try to work out four days/week. Before heading to work, I feed my dog and take him outside. I usually get to the office at 8 am and eat breakfast at work. I see patients from 8-5 pm, pick up my daughter from Montessori school, and get home around 6ish. Dad drops her off in the morning. I also pump at work 3 times – 10 am, 1 pm, and on my way home from work in the car.
4. How has becoming a mom influenced your role at work?
I have more patience than I did before. I can relate to my patients’ lifestyle better than before. Being a working mom makes me want to work harder at work so I can enjoy my time away from work and truly enjoy my daughter.
5. What is your favorite tip on how to integrate work and life?
You have to find a balance. I know it’s hard, but it’s also very necessary. You can’t neglect any parts of your life.
6. How do you handle mom guilt?
It’s real, but you have to do the best you can with what you have. Ask and accept help because you can’t do it all on your own.
7. What is the most surprising part of being a working mom? And the most rewarding?
Surprising – I honestly thought it was going to be easier being a mom, but it’s the hardest job. And on top of that, add on being a working mom. It’s been a truly eye opening year. Rewarding – I realize I do everything for my daughter, and she’s my pride and joy.
8. How do you carve out ‘me’ time? What does ‘me’ time look like for you? On that same note, what’s your guilty pleasure?
My me time is meditation and working out. I will squeeze that in 4 times a week. I also get a massage once a month as well.
9. What’s your mama mantra?
Something is better than nothing. For example, it’s better to move for five minutes than not do anything at all…it’s better to meditate for five minutes than not to meditate at all.
10. What advice would you give to mamas-to-be about returning back to work?
Take it one day at time. There’s a lot to get used to and a lot of adjustment. I remember freaking out when I was close to going back to work, but some how it all works out. Be patient with yourself because mom guilt it real and hard but remember why you work. That in and of itself will make it all worth it.
Thank you so much for sharing your life and thoughts, Bindiya! And I could not agree more on the patience thing. I’m not completely there yet in every aspect of my life, but Kaiden is truly teaching me the meaning of that word!
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