I'm a new mother to a preemie, how do I stay home with him and bring in income?

Question

I want to be able to stay at home with my son, but also bring in income. I have anxiety attacks at the thought of leaving him for long periods of time and sometimes short periods. We were in the nicu for 5 weeks and I've missed soo many of his firsts, it breaks my heart to think I'll miss any more.

Answer 1

Could you possibly write a column for your local newspaper, for new mothers or mothers of preemies? You seem to write well, and it's a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to apply. Try to brainstorm for some out-of-the-box ideas that would work for you. I feel for you, because I know how much time a baby takes. If you can get involved with some local parents' groups, maybe they might be able to help with some job leads; most jobs come from people you know in some capacity, so expanding your contacts could lead to some job offers or ideas.

My first child was born eight weeks prematurely, and was in the NICU for two and a half months. We just learned to do with less, particularly since he had continuing high medical expenses, as well as the medical bills we incurred just from his hospitalization, which you likely have as well.

Twenty-five years later, I do know one thing. Staying home with him was the best thing I did for him, even though it was very difficult financially sometimes. Premature babies often need lots of attention, and it's hard to trust that somebody else will give that care like you will. In my son's case we weren't even allowed to have him around my nephews for months, because of potential germs, so daycare was out of the question, anyway.

While he suffered some neurological damage from prematurity (he, like many premature kids, is still extra sensitive to stimuli and gets stressed easily, even as an adult), he has always been academically advanced, and I think much of that was because I spent a huge amount of time reading, talking, and playing with him, from day one. Plus--he was extra smart ;)--like I'm sure your precious baby is.

Good luck. Your biggest asset, and your baby's, is that you love him so much. Even if you have to work outside the home, it will work out alright, because you'll find a way to show him that love and take care of his needs.

Answer 2

Going to work after giving birth is a difficult step for many women.

First of all, it is important to understand that it is OK to leave your child in competent hands while you work. Spending quality time IS more valauble than spending a large quantity of time.
Good mothers DO place their children with a nanny or in day care. You would not be a bad mother if you went back to work.

Secondly, have you considered part-time work?
If that is not possible, then maybe you should ask your boss about telecommuting, so you can do your work from home.

I worked from home, and I must say that it is practically impossible to take care of a kid and work at the same time. However, there are still some advantages: you save travel time, and that saved time can be spent with you baby. Also, if you have a nanny in your home, you can still see your baby during your lunch break. Finally, if you work from home, you can work whatever hours you like. This means you can start really early or work late -- you can work when the baby is sleeping, and take care of him when he is awake!

I also work part-time, and that gives me most of the afternoon and all of the evening with my kids.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by guilt, please consider joining a support group for new moms. It is tough to adjust, and (although not everyone will admit it) most people could use help adjusting.
I had the same problem as you, and got so depressed thinking what a horrible mother I was for leaving my kid with a nanny, that I ended up on medication.
Please take warning, and be careful with your health!

Answer 3

This is for people that are serious and who don’t want to be misled as we have tried many things and have found a company that has been around for 21 Years and pays you to advertise for them. My wife and I just started and are doing well. It is not an MLM company and no selling, no deliveries or stocking product. My wife’s aunt has been working with this Company (Melaleuca) for a little over 3 years and home schools 3 kids and makes $9,000 a month. It is a 500 Inc company and the CEO is on the U.S. Chamber of commerce board. I can arrange a web cast with my wife’s aunt for you and you can decide by yourself and WE WILL help you be successful. It is an honest Win Win.
If you want to see a web cast (presentation) from your home let me know and I will arrange it as that truly is the way to see all about Melaleuca. Have you heard of it. We have just gotten started with my wife's aunts help as it is a team effort and it is fun. Just a quick F.Y.I. 8 out of 10 people that see the web cast join the company and 95% of the people that join re-order product each and every month. Let me know when you are ready and we will set up the web cast.
e-mail: [e-mail]
Thanks,
Rich & Teresa

Answer 4

Do you have a spouse and only want to add a little income to the household? Do you work in a place that you could work from home? Some company's do that or they allow you to come to the office just a couple days a week, and do the rest from home.
I'm years past being in a situation like yours, but with today's computers I'm sure there must be ways you can make money from home. I wish you and your little one well.

Answer 5

I agree with the other posts, you DEFINITELY should stay at home and be with him. I can understand the pressure of having to be in 2 places at once. Listen, I will be frank, generally you can't bring in thousands of dollars in a month working at home legitimately, and I'm sure you know that. If you want to, I would recommend you take a look at this: http://www.mittenstate.ws

It offers you a way to stay at home and take care of your son, earn a steady residual income, and provide you with a whole new world of opportunity. Make sure you understand that this is NOT a get rich quick scheme. You can develop it steadily though, and depending on your situation, within a short period of time, be receiving an additional stream of income to help you out.
I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Answer 6

You are not alone. Many of us mothers empathize with you. :)

I too was determined to be at home for our children and STILL contribute to our family finances. It takes determination and committement to work from home.

With a new baby in tow, at the age of 23, I choose to be a stay at home mum.

25 + years later I still work from home in my own home based business. I have created a website to help people like yourself.

Take a look, be inspired and encouraged...you can if you choose to :)

Answer 7

I strongly agree with Jesse R. Actually, we are living testimonies of the many that are greatly benefited by:

GLOBAL DOMAINS INTERNATIONAL
http://www.cashflowplus.ws -or- http://website.ws/CYBALGUA

There are many around the world like us --- silently building our incomes thru undeniably the most effective legitimate marketing company in the world today.
See the 7-minute video presentation, read the company info and the latest of the many testimonials that are found here:
http://website.ws/newtestimonials/index.dhtml?sponsor=cybalgua&recent=1
Beware of online scams. Join GDI - Your Income for Life!

Remember:
"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them.
They went out and happened to things."
-- Leonardo daVinci

Answer 8

Then you cant leave him...
How long have you been at the job youre working at... well you should be able to draw a maturnity leave check.. its not welfare but money that was take out of your check.. and is rightfully yours and can be used at times like this..
Where is the baby's father doesnt he give money.. or you just wanting your own money.. I understand that perfectly well..
well good luck

Answer 9

try a legitimate home based business...many are catreered towards women and while you may not make a whole lot it can get you througb until you can get out.... some of the more reliable ones are mary kay, home interiors and gifts, partylite, passion parties. arbonne, and princess house. i would try to stay away from the data entry jobs