Hellobee Boards

I didnt take maternity leave. I quit my job for health reasons before getting pregnant and never tried to get a new one because I knew I wanted to be a sahm.

Honestly.... The first few months of los life were rough and I considered going back to work. She had reflux and I didn't know it at first and she would scream and scream for hours and nothing I did would soothe her. I just felt like I wasn't cut out for it. I never told dh that though, until months later at least. We found out lo had reflux, got her on meds, and life got a lot better. Still hard fore other reasons, its just not an easy job. But I do love it and I'm so glad I stuck with it through the toughest times.

I think it made me want to return to work. I enjoyed my time with my LO and the first few weeks of work were tough but I am happy with working.

I never thought I'd be a sahm and mat leave confirmed that for me. All day alone with a baby isn't ideal for my mental health!

YES - totally changed my mind. I'm a teacher, so I took the first few months of the school year off and returned to school in January after winter break. (My son was born 7/31). I totally wish I took the full school year off to stay home. It definitely would have taken some penny pinching to make it work, but it's a tough balance to be a working Mom. And luckily, with my job, I can take up to two full school years off and still have job security. Next time around, I'm definitely taking a year...we'll just have to save up some extra money in preparation for it.

Also - testing out being a SAHM while pregnant just isn't the same thing. You can't truly understand how your life and feelings will change until that baby is born.

As much as I love my little monkey, maternity leave made me realize that I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom.