Having a child changes your life completely and this is especially true for moms. You’re no longer the same person. Pregnancy may be easy but the moment your first little bundle of joy bawls her way into the world, you can rest assured life is going to be completely different from what it was before. It’s going to be full of fun, surprises, hard work and moments where you want to tear your hair out!

Many psychologists recommend that once you have a child, you need to become a stay at home mom for at least the first few months and maybe even years of your child’s life. Becoming a stay at home mom requires that you evaluate the pros and cons very carefully before making that decision.

Here are some points to consider that can help you to make this crucial decision!

1. Are you the kind of person who wants to be there when your baby takes her first step, first smile, and first words? Do you want to enjoy seeing your child growing up and facing new challenges instead of listening as someone else tells you about it? Keep in mind that there is a flip side to all the good things that you will witness and some of them are not as pretty as your child’s first attempt at feeding herself. You will get to see the first fights, frights and tantrums, all of which can leave you feeling truly wrung out; yet, all of which are memories that are worth having.

2. As a stay at home mom, you seldom have a chance to interact with people your age unless you make an effort to get out. Unlike your mothers that worked jobs outside of the home, you will not have anyone with whom to share your stories, unless you join some groups such as mother’s day out programs or fitness classes that are offered by a number of places in local communities.

3. Do you have a solid support network that can help you in emergencies and times of distress? Do you have someone that you can talk to away from home? There will be times when you need someone other than your spouse and children who will act as a sounding board for you.

4. Income issues may arise, so if you are planning on staying home with your children, this is something that needs to be considered. It may mean giving up things that were once considered a normal part of life. Though you will save the cost of childcare when you stay home, you need to evaluate how losing your contribution to the family finances will affect your household.

5. You may feel that by becoming a stay at home mom you will earn the appreciation from your kids. Well, think again! You will be the one dishing out the majority of the discipline and telling them what they can and can’t do. This can bring about its own problem as in the kids’ eyes you may become the bad parent while dad becomes the playmate they eagerly await to get home. Are you willing to accept that mantle?

For many being a stay at home mom is a rewarding experience that wouldn’t be given up for the world. There are still pros and cons that have to be considered. While you get to take care of your child and develop an even deeper bond, you are giving up your time and social life. Be sure to consider all pros and cons before you finally don the mantle of a stay at home mom.