Coping with Quitting - Eight Ways to Battle New Mom Syndrome

Are you reading this with your hair in a ponytail, wearing sweats, wishing you'd been able to take a shower in the past day or two? If so, you may have New Mom Syndrome. Even though it is rarely discussed while you're pregnant, the first year being a parent can be exhausting!

Before I was married with children, I was a successful career woman. I had big responsibilities, big prestige, and a big paycheck. After I got married and we were expecting our first child, however, my husband and I decided it would be important for me to quit my job and stay home with our kids. We knew it would be a financial sacrifice; but, it was a sacrifice that we were willing to make.

I looked forward to the day when I would be my own boss, be home raising our precious child, and be able to really get my priorities in check.

The feelings I had after I was actually at home with a newborn baby were shockingly different than what I had expected to have. The transition from career woman to motherhood can be bumpy one. Here are some practical tips for dealing with some of those unexpected feelings:

Feeling like you aren't getting anything done
Feeling like you aren't contributing because you don't earn a paycheck
Feeling like you are losing your friends
Feeling like you are growing apart from your spouse
Feeling like you are losing touch with the outside world
Feeling tired and depressed
Feeling like you are losing your own identity
Feeling like your brain is turning to mush

As you can see, there are lots of simple things you can do to improve your outlook when you are a new mom. And having a positive attitude will help everything in your day to seem better. Before you know it, your newborn will be toddling around the house and you'll wonder where the time went. Hang in there! The transition from career to home can be tough - but it will be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. And you'll know it was worth all the sacrifice and the work every time you see your child smile at you.