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Beating Burnout

A Stay-at-Home Mother's Guide

By Lisa A. Goldstein

Terra Wellington of Phoenix, Ariz., felt trapped with all three of her children. "Breastfeed outside if you can, or at least get some sunlight near a window" she says.

You can also exercise once a day. This can be done with or without Baby by walking with the stroller or using an exercise video at home. Stretch often, learn breathing exercises and read for fun. Use some of your breastfeeding time to delve into the guilty pleasure of reading a good fiction book.

Corcory and Haldeman recommend taking advantage of community resources like Mommy and Me groups as well as utilizing support groups. Asking for help is also important. Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated. You can always leave your baby in the house with a sitter while you sun yourself in the back yard or relax on the front porch.

The difficulties stay-at-home moms face can lead them to blame breastfeeding. You can learn to avoid this and begin to preserve and enjoy the breastfeeding relationship. How? Some moms create a breastfeeding spot or two in their homes that are prepared in advance, says Debra Gilbert Rosenberg, psychotherapist, mother of three and author of the forthcoming Motherhood Without Guilt

Want to see more?

• Breastfeeding in Public: The Right Way
• The Social Myths of Breastfeeding
• Let's Talk Taboos: What You've Always Wanted to Know About Breastfeeding
• Talk about it!