Whether for financial reasons or you fancy a change in your life, many new women can find themselves becoming stay-at-home mums (SAHM) after they have welcomed a baby.
And whether it is by choice or necessity, adjusting from being a working mum to a SAHM can be tough, especially if going out to work has been a huge part of your life.
However, while you should expect a period of adjustment, the following tips will help you adjust quicker:
1. Go outside
It can be quite isolating being at home with just a baby for company, so do try to get out as often as possible. Head to the park, the library or even to the local café for a coffee just as an excuse to leave the house. If possible, join a local mother and baby group to meet new people and to give you the motivation to get out and about – something that can be a little tricky when getting yourself dressed is a huge task in itself.
2. Reach out to other mums
It is important you maintain contact with other adults, something that you are likely to truly miss when you leave work initially. If you are shy, head online and build connections that way or simply join in on a local mother and baby group. If you are still in contact with your midwife, talk to them as they are sure to be able to put you in touch with someone in the same boat as you.
3. Create a to-do list
This will be your saviour as it means you WON’T end up spending every hour of every day doing the washing or vacuuming. Categorise things into morning, afternoon and evening to make it easier to prioritise, and remember to include ‘fun with Baby’; being a SAHM doesn’t mean you have the sole responsibility of keeping the house clean, and don’t forget that!
4. Stay in touch with colleagues
It’s good to stay in touch with work colleagues. Some SAHMs can struggle with identity issues during the adjustment period, especially if they have cut all ties with their former life. However, staying in touch with colleagues not only helps you keep in with the gossip but also to maintain that aspect of your former life.
5. Find a hobby
Just because you have decided to give up work to mind Baby doesn’t mean that is the only thing you have to do. Pick up a hobby that takes you outside of the house and gives you an excuse to enjoy some ‘me-time’. Whether it’s running, going to the gym, or even joining a book club this will help you understand that there is more to you than being a SAHM.
