Sue Mills is a marketing consultant who launched her own business, SMC, after the birth of her daughter 18 months ago.

Her top 5 tips on running a business after baby are practical and realistic – aimed at looking after your peace of mind.

1. Share the house-work

House chores are not just women's work—they're everyone's work! Putting your kids on a schedule of daily chores won't just lighten your load, it will also teach them a valuable lesson about the importance of everyone doing their part. My kids are18 (stepson) and 18 months old, and he knows he’s responsible for tasks such as making his bed in the morning, mowing the lawns, feeding the dogs and making his own breakfast. We have four major jobs that we share among the three of us (husband included) each week.  They are emptying all bins throughout the house (the kitchen garbage gets emptied more often) and bins put out in the street on bin night.  This is my husband’s favourite job, so he gets that one.  Vacuuming and mopping all floors; that’s my chosen chore because I’m particular about my floors.  Cleaning the bathrooms is my stepson’s duty.  Then there’s everyone’s non- favourite… the laundry, which we share.  Each morning my husband and stepson rotate putting one load in the washer before work in the morning, I’ll hang it out later in the morning and most of the time I’ll fold it unless I’m time poor then I ask one of them to do it.  No one complains because we all share the responsibility equally.  The end result: The work gets done and, frankly, happy mum, happy household.

2. Make Technology Work for You

We hear so much these days about how technology is hurting our kids, but if you're a working parent, technology can be so helpful. For instance, it enables you to be at your kid's playdate and still be able to check for important e-mails on your iPhone.  Although you'd probably prefer to live in the moment and just do one thing at a time, if high-tech multitasking means you don't have to miss an event and disappoint a child, it's all good in my book.

3. Rethink Your Budget

I have figured out that if I spend money where it really counts—on things that make our lives simpler—it's a good investment. Sometimes taking a hard look at your budget will reveal some interesting possibilities. For example, if you haven't watched a Foxtel movie in a month, maybe that money would be better allocated elsewhere. Like on a cleaning service!  It’s a working mum’s best friend, in my opinion.

4. Form a Support Network

Connect with other parents in your neighbourhood or children's school so you can help each other out. If a friend offers to pick up one of the kids and it's one less trip I have to make, then yippee!  I will then reciprocate next week and give that mum a break.   Not only is the help great but knowing that you're not alone in your crazy-busy life can be a real mood-booster.  Often, these days, we have our lovely mums willing to help out with our kiddies too.  Let them.  It’s beautiful for them to have the time to bond with their grandchildren as well and gives the kids the opportunity to foster that relationship.  It is, ultimately, important.

5. Lower Your Expectations

Clinging to the notion that you can do it all perfectly is a trap that many women fall into. Truth is, some things don't have to be done perfectly! I know my stress level and I have had to cut back on my standard of a clean house.  Instead, I have let go and let the family help rather than martyring myself.  I have on occasion, booked a cleaning service to help on really horrid weeks.  Cut yourself some slack in any area you can: A veggie pizza is a good meal, a gift card is a thoughtful gift, and purchased muffins for the bake sale are just fine.  You don’t have to be all things to everyone.  Keep it simple.

To connect with Sue Mills, visit her business website.