IF “leave” is defined as a break, then parental leave is a misnomer, to me at least.

For a new parent, the initial months – especially when it’s your first baby – can be unforgiving. After I gave birth to my first child, congratulatory messages flooded in from childless colleagues and friends: “Enjoy your maternity leave!” But something in me knew I wasn’t going to.

I treasure the four months spent bonding with my newborns while away from work. But beyond that, the time was critical in helping me work out and stabilise new routines, as well as early stressors (like jaundice) or peculiarities (like colic, reflux), common or uncommon.