That Mama: Nisha Warrier

We meet a super cute mama of twin boys

Nisha is busy. As a mama to gorgeous 20 month old twin boys she has plenty on her plate – especially when you add her career as Assistant Media Manager at Unilever Gulf to the mix. Her secret? To do whatever works, to get sleep whenever she can (not so often by the sounds of things!) and to talk-talk-talk things through.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your career?

I was raised in a modest, Godfearing and loving home with my brother. My parents worked very hard to provide us the best. I am now a mom to 20 month old naughty twin boys, Arnav (Sonu) and Aarav (Monu) and work as Asst Media Manager at Unilever Gulf. My career in media started when I became a MT in Mumbai to work for one of India’s biggest advertising and media houses FCB-ULKA. From luxury to cars to tractors to oil – Media strategy and planning came most naturally to me and a few years into it I just knew I can do this for life. After marriage I moved to Dubai and joined Unilever Gulf in their inhouse media team.

Can you talk us through your career pre and post babies? How did you get back into the swing of things after having twins?

Honestly, I am still not ‘into swing of things’!

Pre babies – life in general and work in particular is planned and organized. You exactly know how your day will start, what will you do all day , how it will end etc etc. You also know that weekends are for relaxation and catching up and doing things you love are passionate about.

Post babies – phew! Where do I start – It took me a while before I accepted that I (a tleast for a long long from now) will never have full control over my life. My day (and nights), my schedules, my holidays – everything is planned around the babies. I will keep it that way rather than breaking a schedule and having two angry yelling toddlers in my house.

How old are your twins and who looks after the when you are working?

I went back to work 4 months after having my boys. I am glad I did that because coming back to work (in an adult world) helped me remain sane. The boys are now 20 months old. My parents live with me and my brother and family lives close too.

How do you balance work and motherhood?

I have my days – good ones and bad. But, deep down I know God cannot give you anything you cant handle. I have lived through weeks at a stretch with about 1-2 hours sleep at night and came back to office next day. If you are a twin-mom , ‘sleep when the bay sleeps’ is the most useless advice ever – because precisely when one sleeps, the other decides its poo-time or play-time!

How do you save time? What are your organisational tips and tricks?

I am a ‘to-do’ list person – at work or at home. I have lists for everything. I have schedules for everything. From checkups to 3 meals a day for the week everything my life is on a paper and up on the fridge. It helps me feel in control.

Do you have any tips for aspiring “mamapreneurs” and other working mamas in Dubai?

‘Do away with guilt and do what you think suits your family the best’. Advices will pour in in all shapes and forms but no one is living your life except you so only you know what is the right thing to do.

Being a mom is just a part of who you are (though it’s a real big one) but beyond that you are person who has some aspirations, talents – be true to yourself.

Favourite activity with your kids in Dubai?

My boys are huge water babies, they love water. So, my favorite family fun is spending hours in the swimming pool.

Favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai?

Most places in Dubai are kids friendly frankly. This is probably the only city in the world that has a ‘kids allowed’ Hard Rock Café!. We are fans of Indian (read Mumbai) food so most places we go are with Indian menus.

Favourite family-friendly holiday spot?

Locally, we love Waldrof Astoria. The drive is perfect as the babies don’t get tired. We love the beach and the pool and the spa. The staff is very friendly and understand ‘twins need double of everything’

We try and see a new country every year. But, favourite location still continues to be Mumbai where me and my husband were born and raised.

Do you have any tips for keeping the romance alive in your relationship?

Talk –talk – talk. Talk till the other other sleeps off. We love talking to each other- just about anything and everything! We also try and outdo each other on surprises on special days too. That’s been there in our relationship for 13 years now!

Favourite date-night restaurants?

We don’t get many date nights to be frank as we both feel it is important that we manage the kids as soon as we are back from work. On special days when we do go, we love Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar in JW Mariott Marquis. We are also huge fans of the chicken wings at Hard Rock Cafe.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent?

It actually came from our pediatrician Dr Shamitha, Unicare and she said one day they will grow up and these will no longer be problems but memories.

Give us your essential new mama advice that might never occur to other women.

Survival is the key – especially for a new mom of twins. Do what helps you keep sane. Breast or bottle, pacifiers or babywearing – all these are just alternatives and there is no right or wrong.

As a mama I wish I were better at…

Spending time with babies with absolutely nothing else on my mind.

My most humbling mama moment was…

I was having a headache and I asked Aarav to let me rest. As soon as Arnav walked in the room, Aarav said ‘ Amma sleep, Sonu(Arnav) no come’

One thing I won’t sacrifice as a mama is…

My time with my parents. I strongly believe kids learn more from seeing and family bonding is a big deal for all of us.

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about….

How come the boys are sound asleep? I am not kidding you, my husband keeps making fun of me for this. But I guess almost a year of midnight pumps and feedings have trained my body to wake up every single night at 2 am.

Even when my children have families of their own, I’ll still…

Will be their mom!! I still want them to know how they have molded my life.

My favourite moment of the day is…

When I walk into the home after work. Both Sonu and Monu just drop whatever they are doing and run to me for a hug and lift! I start smiling as soon as I park the car with the thought itself.

I always feel saner after…

Putting them to bed – that’s like when my adult time at home starts..

I wish I had more time for…

Sleeping! I used to love sleeping. On a weekend before kids , between afternoon and night I used to manage to sleep 12-14 hours. So, now you can imagine how much I miss sleep.

Bedtime is always smoother when…

They have had a good day. If they eat well, play well during the day – the cycle between bath, dinner and sleep goes quick and smooth.

 

These gorgeous shots were taken by the talented Natalie Robinson of Natalie Robinson Photography.