I hope it all works out for you. I know how it feels to want to stay home. I had my first child really young so staying at home was not an option. My second child came years later though I didn't stay at home immediately. However, after our unexpected third child, I pretty much had to stay home because of the cost of daycare and afterschool care for my oldest child. I stayed at home the first 2 years with my second and third, then I went back to work. We thought that we would benefit from the extra money but we could not keep up with the cost of childcare and the hidden expenses of work like gas, tolls and wardrobe. Our children are now 13, 7, 6 and 1. In 2006, my husband and I decided that it would be best if I stayed at home at least until our youngest starts kindergarten. I absolutely love being available for everything they are experiencing. I get to go to their schools pretty much every other week and we never worry about who's going to be off when school's out. My 14 year old even requests that I come to school to have lunch with him from time to time, very big deal for a teenager.LOL. I think that we all have seen a profound positive change in the mere functioning of our family since I've become a stay at home mom, exclusively! I know some would beg to differ but this is truly the best job in the world! 

As far as your finances, look at what you are really spending to work outside your home. I would reccommend eliminating EVERY non-essential from your budget. It's amazing how small purchases really add up. You may learn that you can actually afford to stay home.  Remember, children aren't expensive-lifestyles are expensive! Kids don't know the difference between items from Babies R Us or Walmart. Don't allow the new "it" item or baby trends to dictate what's best for your child. Children merely need the essentials food, shelter, clothing and LOTS of love. Sorry for the lengthy email, I rarely respond to posts but my heart truly goes out to moms that long to be their child's primary caregiver, we all know that a lot takes place in an 8-10 hour day. Best wishes!

I know exactly how you feel. My son is 7 weeks old today. I've been in the hotel industry for almost 10 years now and it's been my career for so long I don't know how to do anything else. After the birth of my son I thought it was going to be easy for me to just return to work like nothing. Big mistake. I would burst into tears at the thought of leaving him. I couldn't imagine leaving him in a day care and we don't have the luxury of really having anyone take care of him full time. My in-laws offered to help, but my husband and I didn't want to burden them. After careful consideration we finally decided the best decison would be for me to stay home. We're making a huge sacrifice as we will be hurting only living on one income, but it's a small price to pay for the time well spent with me being home with our son. Quitting my job wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Leaving my son would've been harder. With income tax season slowly approaching my husband as come up with a plan where we can pay off most of our bills so we won't be hurting so much. I've also discovered a great way to make money from home. I heard about a seminar on the radio on how to become a medical transcriptionist. We attented the seminar and decided it would be great for me to do while I'm home. It's pricey but they have an affordable payment plan. It's called At Home Professions. The lessons are so detailed and they even help out with finding you work once you graduate. I'm looking forward to completing this course as then we'll have extra income, and I'll have the opportunity to work from home at my own pace and possibly make even more money than I was working at the hotel. Take some time to discuss all of your options with your family. I'm sure you'll find what's right for you. Take care.

I like several other people on here lost my job when I was 7 months pregnant.  I do receive unemployement for the time being.  I have used this time to learn a new skill that lets me work at home on my schedule or should I say my son's schedule.  It only takes about 4 months if you are really dedicated and you can do it on line.  I went to Meditec.com and have learned how to be a medical transcriptions.  The money is really decient especial when you conceter that you have no transportation costs, or day care, or clothing, starting pay is about $35,000 a year for 30 hours a week of work.  And some companies do hire like regular employees so you get medical, dental, vacation, 401k and all that good stuff.  I am still new at it but my understanding that after a couple of years experience the earning potential is $75,000-100,000 a year.  The program I did cost around 1800 and they do financing so I just make monthly payments until I get my taxes and then I am paying it off.  The people at Meditec.com where so great and the program so easy that now my mom, brother, and sister are doing the program. 

and is the program fairly easy...i have been wanting to do something like that...especially because we have 3 computers at home; so might as well put them to good use....but after you're done with program...how do you know where to apply??