I have worked since I was eighteen. I worked my way through school and worked after graduation. When I found out I was pregnant, I did not know if I wanted to keep working or stay at home. The decision became easier when we found out that my husband was up for promotion. We knew that if he got it, we would have the income we needed in order for me to stay at home. We would still have to make some major monetary changes, but we could do it.
We decided in my last month just to take the plunge. I gave notice at work and I was going to stay at home. I had all these ideas for things I could do while I was at home. I was a bit naïve about how this would work. The first few weeks that I was home, I was so wiped out from delivery that I couldn’t do much of anything. Then it really began to hit me that I was not going to be getting up for work anymore. It was a very strange feeling. I actually became somewhat depressed for a while.
I felt lost. I felt bored. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to be at home with my daughter, but a baby is not really much for company. The days became a little too routine, change the diaper, feed the baby, wash the baby clothes, watch the baby sleep, and start all over again every few hours. I knew I had to make a change to help me with these feelings, so I could get back to enjoying my baby more.
My first step was to reach out to someone. I had one friend who was also a stay-at-home mom and we talked pretty much every day. We would get together several times during the week and these outings helped. I also found some mom communities online and in my local area. These groups had sponsored outings and were mom and child friendly. It helped a lot. Once I got out and started to make new friends, my spirits started to lift. It was nice to find new people that knew exactly what I was going through. It was also nice to find a place to get advice or just support when I needed it.
Another important lesson I learned in being a stay at home mom, is to take some time for myself. Moms night out programs were a god send. You don’t do your job 24 hours a day 7 days a week, there is a reason you have down time from work. Being a stay at home mom is just as much work and can be very taxing on your body and mind. Taking time to recharge my batteries helped to raise my spirits.
Being a stay-at-home mom can feel a bit isolating to me at first but it has turned into one of the best decisions that I have made. I can be home for all those wonderful little firsts of my daughter.
Jane Gingrich’s experiences as a first time mom have been brought to you by our partner, My Baby Clothes Boutique. Take some time to look through their catalog, even if it is just to see the adorable babies in their flowered headbands and sweet newborn hats.
