January 26, 2023
Each week, I find myself astonished by a recurring question: “Hey Alex! Adorable child! Are you home full time with them? What ELSE are you doing?” It makes me wonder when being a stay-at-home mom became insufficient.
If I’m being honest, I’ve been guilty of judging other stay-at-home moms, particularly those with one child. I used to think, how much effort could it take to care for a baby? Now, with two children, I realize just how naive that perspective was. The first few months can be incredibly challenging, especially for those who are breastfeeding. The exhaustion is real, and the concept of deep REM sleep feels like a distant memory.
In many places, including Nevada, many moms return to work after just three months. An article I came across on my “What to Expect” app revealed that Nevada ranks as the third least favorable state for raising children. Being 47th out of 50 is disheartening! With lower average wages, it’s common for both parents to work to keep up with expenses and raise a child.
Consequently, stay-at-home moms often face resentment from those who long to be home but can’t, while society frequently looks down on them for not balancing both home and work life. This shift in societal expectations is stark; we’ve moved from valuing homemakers to expecting women to juggle parenting, careers, and extracurricular activities for their children. It’s no wonder films like Bad Moms resonate with so many — we simply cannot do it all, and if we try, we often fall short.
As someone who pushes herself to excel, I found my pregnancy to be particularly frustrating due to the limitations it imposed. Those constraints didn’t disappear after childbirth; my life became segmented into brief intervals of 20 minutes to an hour. The key to navigating this lifestyle as a stay-at-home mom is acceptance. It’s about learning to be selfless, sacrificing personal time, and investing in the life of a tiny human.
Moreover, it involves managing the frustration that arises from others asking, “Why aren’t you doing more?” I recognize that part of the issue stems from my own high expectations. I often struggle to let go of a long list of tasks in favor of accomplishing just one meaningful thing each day.
This experience has heightened my awareness of my past judgments towards other women. It has taught me the importance of allowing others the space to make their own choices about how they spend their time. Rather than questioning those choices, I should encourage them to remain true to themselves.
For those interested in exploring self insemination, I encourage you to check out this home insemination kit. It’s a great resource for those considering their options. Additionally, for further insights into the success rates of fertility treatments, you can read more here. If you’re seeking more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource.
In conclusion, being a stay-at-home mom is a demanding yet rewarding role that requires patience, acceptance, and understanding from both oneself and society.