From delivering babies to embracing motherhood: How this Mumbai-based doctor balances work and family life

Dr Surabhi Siddhartha balances her medical practice with quality family time

When Dr Surabhi Siddhartha gave birth to her son in 2008, she took a break for one year from her work to prioritise motherhood. Being an obstetrician and gynaecologist, who has delivered many babies over the years, she soon returned to the profession to give back. Demanding round the clock attention, leaving no room for error or exhaustion, it wasn't an easy transition, but Surabhi is made of stronger stuff.

She shares, "The decision wasn't easy. I kept on thinking whether I'll be able to give enough time to my kid. Additionally, when you are getting back to something after one year, a little self-doubt about your skills also seeps in. But a little confidence in myself and the belief that my child is safe and taken care of helped me move forward."

Juggling work and motherhood
With her family's support, the Mumbai doctor has been able to navigate both the roles. "I was able to get back to work with my family's help, since they were there to take care of my son." But as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, Surabhi says she has to run around a lot, and also deal with emergencies. "So going to work, coming back, feeding my child, balancing everything did prove to be a bit challenging," the 47-year-old reminisces.

In the process, did she ever feel that she had to make a difficult choice between her career and family? "Over the years, I have made a conscious choice to have my home and workplace at just 15-20 minutes distance from my kids' school and classes. In the past, there were work opportunities at distant localities where I would have earned more. But I didn't pursue those because of this decision. Initially, I used to repent that, but I realised it helped me a lot in creating work-life balance," Siddhartha states.

By the time Surabhi gave birth to her second child, which was her daughter in 2013, she had already started a private practice. With the clinic near her home and other flexibilities, it became easier for the gynaecologist to manage both work and motherhood. "I took a 3-month break during my daughter's birth. At times, when there was no one to look after her, I would take her to the clinic, sometimes with a nanny. I didn't want her to feel that mom is not around," the doctor expresses.

Embracing the joys of motherhood
As her children grew up, the Kharghar-based mother made it a rule to prepare at least one meal for them every day. It became a tradition that brought them together - something that she did for them daily, irrespective of her work responsibilities.

To ensure that the kids' academics and personality development doesn't suffer, Siddhartha enrolled them in several extra-curricular activity classes. "I would go to work when they left for school around 8:30 am - 9 am. Then, I would pick them up from school around 3 pm. I tried to keep the period between 3 - 5 pm free so that I could give them some time." In the evening, she would drop them for their activity classes and resume work. "Both my children are excellent in academics and are involved in various activities like football, keyboard and dance," she adds proudly.

Discovering the perfect work-life balance
Over the years, the Mumbai mother has not only excelled at delivering many babies but also at taking care of her own children. While her son (17) and daughter (12) have grown up now, she still strives to maintain a healthy balance between her profession, personal life and individual interests.

She explains, "Being a mother and a gynaecologist always keeps you on your toes. Over the years, I have realised that both can be managed only if I am physically and mentally healthy. I spend at least 45 minutes daily in my exercises to help me power through the day. I love cooking too. It helps me relax."

Travelling is another avenue that not only helps her rejuvenate but also spend time with family. "I love travelling. We take breaks frequently and either go for weekend trips or long vacations depending on the schedules," she reveals. Additionally, she also keeps her Sundays free. It has also led her to take strict decisions like avoiding going to the hospital on OPD on the day. "I obviously attend to emergencies, if any, but otherwise, Sunday is family day," she concludes, highlighting how she makes time for both in her daily life.