*~1stPregnancy11/15/06~*
03-22-2006, 05:17 PM
I just found out I was pregnant yesterday! I am so thrilled. But I am trying to make a decision on whether to go to work or stay home as being a mother. Any suggestions or advice from anyone?!?!
smwelch13
11-05-2006, 02:51 AM
Hello....I am new to this site and was browsing....did you make your decision yet? I am an at home mom and wouldn't change that for the world. I noticed that you are close but let me know if you get a chance.
Stephanie
caraleigh
11-07-2006, 01:32 PM
Hi, Stephanie--
I am a mother who chose to stay at home with my son who is now 5 months old. There is nothing in the world that would make me want to trade the time I spend with him. My husband and I discussed this matter a great deal as we would certainly prefer the additional income that we would have if I worked. We came to the conclusion that my being with Sammy is worth more than the little extra money that I would bring home after daycare is paid.
I am very adamant about being with Sammy to comfort him and give him the attention he needs the first year or two. I refuse to let him go to day care until he can communicate with care providers regarding his basic needs. This, however, is a personal decision.
My husband needed some convincing as he thought I would get bored staying at home with Sammy all day every day! The fact is, staying with a baby is anything but boring! It is constant work which requires getting up early when the baby wakes, tending to his needs as they arise, playing with and talking to him, making several attempts at basic household chores when time and baby permits, and trying to include some mommy-baby exercise routines when possible. It is quite hectic, sometimes lonely, and not for everyone, but I, personally would not trade it for anything in the world!
I suggest you perform some self-evaluation and discuss your wants and needs with your husband. You can always do what my husband suggested and it seemed to work for us: Stay at home during your maternity leave and after a month or two, re-evaluate your physical, emotional, and financial situation to determine what you feel is best for your overall situation. I don't believe that you should stay at home just because that is what everyone thinks you should do. If you are not comfortable and happy at home with your child, you both will suffer. You are a mother now and you will know what is best for you and your family.
Good luck!