If you would have asked me a year and a half ago what I’d be doing after having my baby I’d something like this, “Oh getting the LO ready for daycare so I can drop her off before work.” I had it all planned out. I researched the best child care facilities near by, ordered my electric pump, and began mapping out our weekly routine. My initial plan was to return to work after 8 weeks that didn’t happen. I ended up taking 12 weeks of maternity leave only to decide at nearly the end of my leave that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave that precious little face, my heart ached at the thought of it. So I walked into my managers office baby in tow to break the news. I took a leap of faith and left my career in health care field to stay at home with my baby.
Quitting my job certainly was not an easy task. I loved my job and my coworkers. Work was all I knew. I started in high school working in fast food until I graduated with my Associates Degree in 2012. So after nearly ten years of being a working girl something told me I had to quit. I did return to work for 30 days to tie up some loose ends for insurance purposes. I thought that maybe, just maybe those 30 days would change my mind. Well they didn’t if anything it confirmed my decision.
I am grateful to have been able to return back to work to try it out. I did stay on as needed for a while also. Thankfully during this time I didn’t have to put the LO in day care, my amazing MIL kept her during the trial period.
A Baby needs their Momma
Another reason I became a SAHM was what I learned about the mother baby bond. During my leave I did ALOT of research on the Attachment Theory and the importance of first three years of a baby’s life. I read books, blogs, articles, and joined a few Facebook groups. It was during this research that it became clear to me why I felt such a pull to stay home with my baby. It’s what nature intended, we were biologically designed to want to be with and care for our babies.
I felt stretched thin with time
I didn’t like the idea of someone else basically raising my child. With my commute and working 8 hour days, my baby would’ve been with someone else for about 52 hours a week. You read that correctly 52 hours a week! That’s insane! I would only be spending roughly 20 hours a week not including weekends with my baby. I couldn’t imagine someone else spending that much time with my baby. Although she was in great care with my MIL, I still couldn’t fathom the idea.
I also didn’t like feeling like I was “rushing” when I was with her. It was the same routine pick her up, go home, cook dinner, wash and sanitize bottles, and get ready for the next day. I spent so much time focusing on preparing for work, I felt like I wasn’t give her my full attention. That bothered me, mom guilt is REAL! The way I see it is like this, if I decide to return back to work I can. My field is always needed. I cannot go back when it comes to her childhood.
I wanted to watch my baby grow
I wanted to be the one to see her firsts. First laugh, first tooth, first steps, and first words. It’s true what they say babies grow extremely fast!
My Little one is 15 months old as I write this post, and I can definitely see the impact me being home with has had.
I know being a SAHM isn’t for everyone. For some it’s just not possible financially. I am extremely grateful that I have been given the opportunity to stay home and watch my daughter grow. Without faith in God and my amazing husband none of this would be possible. It is truly a blessing.
Your Thoughts
if you’re a SAHM or thinking of becoming a SAHM let me know your thoughts. Was it s difficult decision for you? Are you struggling to decide if it’s the right choice for you? Leave your comments below.
Serene Mom Life
-xoxo
2 Comments
I think stay at home is an awesome decision. I have two children 14 and 11. I worked retail most of my career and thats not a set schedule;1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift. Somtimes i was in school and didn’t see my kids all day. They really needed me. It still worked out but would have been better to stay home. They need you more as they get older. ……….if i have more kids i need to learn about them cloth diapers. Did you really do that?
Do I really cloth diaper? Girl, yes I cloth diaper! In my opinion its easier and cheaper I also have less diaper rashes it’s pretty much another load of laundry, and is easy when you have a breast fed baby.