Suggestions for Getting Out of the House?

L.,

I can totally relate. I am on the other side of the NJ PA border. My daughter is now 2 and I also don't like to be kept in the house. Finances caused me to return to work after my 6 weeks and although it was difficult, I think it helped us both. I was fortunate that my mom stayed with me for a while after she was born so I was able to run out for bits at a time but when you nurse you can never be gone for long. If you feel that putting the baby in daycare is the best option for you then do it. Even if you just start it part time so you can get the break you need. I know that putting her in daycare also helped me establish a better routine for us. I'm sure that many people would agree but I am not here to raise my daughter the way society or a majority should think. I need to do what is in the best interest for both of us. If I know that keeping me at home will make me MISERABLE and therefor not happy to be with her then I would not be a good mom to her. Does that make sense? Anyway, what you need to keep in mind about daycare is the cold factor. The baby will be sick alot in the beginning, no matter how much they clean. Germs spread and that's a fact. As he gets older toys will be shared. I have seen kids grab pacifers out of mouth and attempt to put them in theirs. As I said, I live accross the border and I would love to get together at Oxford Valley Mall or some other public place, if you want to take a break sometime.

Hi! I'm mom to 1 and 3 year old toddlers - and I know just how you feel. We live in Bucks County as well, and would love to meet you for a playdate for lunch - drop me an e-mail and we'll be happy to get together SOON!

Best wishes!!

As a SAHM of 3 small boys, I completely understand your cooped in feeling. Sometimes I felt like I was literally chained to the 1st floor of my house. First thing, DON'T listen to others telling you "you won't get these years back". If getting sitters or daycare for your child helps you become a better and saner mom, then by all means do it! Also, take advantage of the nice weather now and head to places like Peddlers Village and New Hope. I used to do that when my son was born (I lived in Yardley at the time). It was so nice to get out of the confines of the house. Last, google things like moms groups bucks county and you'll get a list of possible connections to other moms in your area for get togethers. I found out it's amazing how many other moms in your area are going through the same thing. Hope this helped!

L.,
I went through something similar when I moved to NJ 5 yrs. ago. I had a 12 month old and new baby. I didn't even know anybody around. I joined a group called Moms Club International. There are a lot of local chapters. If you log onto momsclub.com you should be able to find a chapter near you. I made some great friends and it helped with my post partum as well.

K.