You can read all the books, listen to all the advice, and prep in advance. What you will realise is there is no right or wrong answer, no recipe book or instruction manual that will cater 100% to you and your baby. The most important thing is to be thoughtful and intentional in parenting and mothering your child. Don't fret about the small things, and listen to your body, it knows best!

Becoming a mother is probably one of the best things that has happened to me. I have always known I wanted to be a mother, and it has brought out that nurturing side that I have always wanted to share. Being able to watch him grow up and conquer different stages of life (even though he's only 8 months old) brings me so much joy and motivation, it makes you want to work harder to give him the best!

ALL THINGS BREASTFEEDING. I asked all my mom friends for advice regarding breastfeeding before and after giving birth. I already heard all the horror stories and was bracing myself - the engorgement, the pain, and the tears were all so true to me during my first week back home. But the good thing is there is always help along the way. I consulted an LC and GP, Dr Mythili Pandi, who helped me so much with my journey, and I could get the engorgement under control by my third week. There is so much advice regarding breastfeeding out there, but what first time moms have to realise is everyone's body is different and unique, you do you and form your own strategy!

Letting go of guilt has to start with a commitment to stop beating yourself up over choices and circumstances which you have no control. Whenever I feel the mom guilt, I realise it will take a toll on my mental health causing me to have unhealthy thoughts like "I'm a bad mom, I'm not there for him 100% etc." Instead, I tell myself "You are working hard for your family, and you are hard at work to pursue your own personal goals in life!"

I'd like to think that I have a very good work-life balance, weekends are purely for family. I have to go to work on the weekdays, I always try to leave the office by 5pm so that I can make it home and have enough time to spend with Ezra (like take him to the beach for dinner!) before his bedtime.

YES! I don't work from home so I'm really thankful for my helper, my husband Imran (who works from home) and (on occasion) my in-laws. All these people who help take care of Ezra made the transition of going back to work so much easier, I don't have to worry about whether or not Ezra is being well fed or taken care of.

I think we can think of the term "Tiger Mom" positively - ultimately we all just want the best for our kids!

You can use the products in the Clarins Beautiful Pregnancy Set both pre and post-partum. My holy grail products are 1) The Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert - I used it since my first trimester all over my thighs, buttocks, stomach and breasts - and I can proudly say my body has no stretch marks! I still use it whenever I have time at night to maintain the firmness of my skin. 2) The Tonic Body Treatment Oil was so helpful for my growing (and itchy) belly from the later part of my second trimester. My skin was expanding so quickly and I was itching everywhere - the oil really helped to calm things down. I use it so regularly post-shower up till now, especially since I want to tone and firm my belly as I embark on my post-partum fitness journey! 3) The Double Serum Eye - I wake up several times at night and I always worry about looking tired especially for shoots. I like to use the Double Serum Eye because it helps to prevent dark eye circles and depuffs my eyes.

As much as it is so hard to go out and get me-time (I have to cut short my hair appointments so that I can go home and be with my son), doing things for yourself like going shopping for 2 hours with a friend (with baby in tow!), or getting your nails down, or going for a massage at the Clarins Skin Spa, are all things you can do to "reward" yourself for waking up all those tough nights!

To be honest I'm a very chill mom, when times are tough, it's important to remember that tough times won't last. We are all learning each day and though the nights but be long, the days are short and I think it's important to cherish all the moments in between.