by Hilary Peer

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Is it really boredom that Mums feel when being at home with their baby? From my own experience I would say it's more the feeling of being unsure of what to do and a little bit of insecurity. Before I had my two little girls, I worked with babies and young children for seven years. Even with all this experience and knowledge, I was still terrified at becoming a mum for the first time, so I can only imagine what it must be like for those women who may have never had the opportunity to even hold a baby before now, let alone bath, feed and put them to sleep.

If you have been working in a fast paced high powered job, it is a huge change to be at home with just your baby. It can create a void, and you may feel like you are not contributing. But, I would like to give just one small piece of advice, enjoy every moment the first year of your baby's life is the most precious, she will go from being a tiny, totally dependent baby who sleeps and eats most of the day, to a busy walking, talking toddler. In just the first three months of baby's life there is roughly a 30% increase in bodyweight and a 20% increase in length, as well as the emotional development, smiling, responding to parents voices and making sounds. The bond that you will create will be so strong and will remain for ever, even in the years ahead when you are fighting because she wants to stay out late with a specific boy friend.

I am currently at home with my seven month old and each day she makes me smile. Her excitement when she hears new sounds and experiences something new, makes me realize how I'm never going to get this time back. So instead of being bored with staying at home, you can enjoy your special time with her. Take the time to encourage her to experience different stimulation. Just playing the radio and dancing together, letting her play with saucepan lids and wooden spoons, putting water in a big bowl and letting her splash, use plastic cups for pouring and filling up or simply just fall asleep on the your bed together. Talk to her about your plans, tell her where you are going, hug and kiss her. All this stimulation is not only a great learning experience but really is lots of fun for you too. Don't see being at home as just as passing the time till you can go back to work, but as a foundation for a great relationship with your baby and the opportunity to know who they really are.

Of course you need time out so plan to meet friends, when she sleeps read a good book or sleep too and yes at the end of the day the housework can definitely wait!

Note: I use the pro nouns her and she in my articles simply because I have two girls

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