would it be so bad to be a SAHM?

[Beccas]

hi, just wanted to throw my two cents in. i went back to work 9 months after my first, two days per week and then 5 months after my second, three days per week. i have just started 12 months unpaid leave from my job as i am pregnant again and was finding having two kids, working and being pregnant too hard. i am loving being at home and its amazing how i am not really missing work at all.

a friend gave me some good advice when i was thinking of being a full time SAHM, she said work is just a train - people get on, people get off, the train keeps going, nothing changes, you can get back on later. i think that is so true and you dont realise till you get off the train how it really doesnt matter that you arent on it.

anyway, i have done both - worked and been a SAHM. At the moment, being a SAHM is really working for me so I recommend it if that's what you want to do.

Beccas

ps i should also say i have worked at my firm for 7 years, so i understand your feelings about leaving a place you have worked at for a long time. its scary but i think you will find the relief takes over once you actually make a decision and then implement it. i was so scared approaching my work to ask for unpaid leave for 12 months, now, I couldnt be happier and i truly feel i have made the right decision.

[Baby~amore`]

All I could do is encourage you to give up work. Where else would you rather be (awake) but to be giving everything you had (not what is left over) to your precious children. While the work can be monotonous at times, I have found it to be much more rewarding than work (nursing). I miss being at work still but would not go back until my kids are ready (during school hours).

I went through a whole "identity crisis" thing but have found that I am a mother first and most importantly. They are worth all of my care. My career can now wait.

All the best with your decision,

I have to agree but also second your idea of casual work ... I know you are a wonderful midwife but Ivy and Noah are growing up so fast and are so cute - how can you bear to be away from them. Plus the big kids are so busy I am ina we of how you manage to do it so well.

Beccas - train analogy is good too but I know midwifery is a little different -especially with management (NUM's & supervisors) -things do change and it can be scary returning after a long absence.

I wish you well my friend and knwo that whatever decision you make it will be the right one for you all at this time.

Life is too short as it is and these are maybe your last babies.