I a have been a SAHM since my son (now 16 months) was born. Like someone else mentioned, the cost of Daycare for a baby in diapers was just not worth the stress of returning to work. I am blessed that my husband makes enough to support us, which allowed me this opportunity.

That being said, there definitely are pros and cons. I LOVE being able to watch my son grow up. This is not to say working moms do not get this, but I have more time to experience this little life. That being said, that means little to no breaks, hahaha. I am ON all day, every day. My husband helps, but it is hard to demand too much when HE also needs time to wind down after work. We have worked out a system, but there are days that I want to lock myself in the bathroom and eat a whole tub of icecream while crying.

I also like that I can establish habits/routines and follow through with them. I have heard from my friend who went back to work 6 weeks after she had her son (he went to an inhome nanny), that establishing a routine was a LOT more difficult because it is really up to the care provider to also follow through. She also had a LOT of Mommy guilt leaving her son. My heart broke for her. But now she has established a great routine, has a great relationship with the nanny, and cherishes those moments she does have with her son.

I do not have the issue of lack of adult interaction, mostly because two of my close friends had babies months apart from me. And my other close friend has two boys (older, but they LOVE playing with their ‘little brother’).

I think my biggest stress is I feel I do not do enough. My house is a mess despite being a SAHM, and I struggle to keep up. I feel I lack a routine and schedule for ME because I am so focused on my son. I stress that financially I am not helping enough. That sense that I am spending but not making money is uncomfortable for me.

Important!