[aarvi]

do you want to transition to IC role within the same company? if so, then dont. IMHO. - tough to reset power equations. people may not be comfortable around folks they have reported to many levels above. - 6 years of mgmt role is good experience to leverage for something else. - if you've just had a kid, an IC role might be tough to manage. - if you still want to do it, one way could be to take on small tasks that dont hold uyp the release almost independently for some time. and then when you think you are ready, do it.

but honestly, im not even sure how mgmt will see this. companies usually dont like people demoting themselves. best look for a new company. all IMHO