How to Survive Maternity Leave

You have watched your belly grow for the past six months. You have survived the birth, just about! You have brought your new baby home. Now what? Once you have got used to a new baby in the house, and you and your baby have got to know each other, what do you do? How do you survive the long days at home alone? After all you're new baby is not one for a conversation on 'are British Muslim's ruining freedom of speech' or 'if Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt's relationship will last'!

You may have been a VIP in your work world, where every one hung on your every word, but now all you have is a screaming little monster that certainly does not do what ever you say. I have a little secret for you; it's O.K you do not have to be the atypical 'mothering type' to enjoy your time at home with your newborn. There is no need to feel isolated either. The most important thing I found was to have a network of friends going through the same as me.

So, there are plenty of new mums going through the same as you, but where do you find these elusive creatures? At the end of your antenatal class ask other potential mums if they would like to meet up once a week. You can start it at your house to break the ice. Make sure you provide tea/coffee & biscuits for your new guests. I have found my own moms support group an invaluable source at this time of my life. Not only do you have friends that are also at home to hang out with while your work friends are, well at work. You never feel like you are going through things alone.

As is the way of the world there are actually two problems with your new found survival network. First you may find that the main topic of conversation will always be about poo! I never thought I could change a nappy in my life, never mind have so much to say about the stuff. Second, I have found that new moms can become the most competitive of species, and while I am sure your little one is the most advanced baby in the world there always seems to be a baby that is crawling or walking before yours!

The main thing to remember through your maternity leave is that it is actually for a very short time and even though you may be jealous of your husband going off to work every day where (hopefully) they don't have so much to say about poo! Your husband is actually jealous of you, and would love to spend his days sitting around the house or maybe just going off for a walk for 6 months of his life.