Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

When you finished with babies, what did you do next?

60 replies

fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:37

I have recently gone through a phase of feeling very broody for a final late baby but, for a whole range of reasons, we are coming down on the side of not having another one. I have an established career and older DC. Still, it has given me the feeling that I need some type of new beginning or focus while I close the door on that phase of life for good. Has anyone started something new when you reached that stage of knowing you were done with the baby years and not going back? I would love to hear some inspiring (or any) stories!

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 17/09/2016 22:41

Volunteering. Sounds a bit naff and cliche! I helped out with the Cinnamon Trust. Loved it.
Got fit. Well fitter!
Indulged my hobbies. Joined groups.
Attempting to declutter and sort the house.
Found more time for friends and family.

Rrross1ges · 17/09/2016 22:43

I got a dog and a very part time job. It's not enough. I want another dog.

When you finished with babies, what did you do next?
MrsHam13 · 17/09/2016 22:43

New hobby. Always planning a holiday or weekend away so there's something to count down and look forward to. For me it's getting my career back.

JellyBelli · 17/09/2016 22:43

I did evening classes, and took a City and Guilds and ECDL to boost my sagging confidence and out of date CV..

ghostyslovesheep · 17/09/2016 22:45

5 cats and full time work

Wolfiefan · 17/09/2016 22:46

Rrross1ges
I forgot that. Got two kittens and now I want a puppy!!!!

SloanePeterson · 17/09/2016 22:46

I'd love to hear this too. My youngest has just gone into reception and I can't go back to work atm as I'm a carer for my son with various difficulties which means I have to be on call at all times if I need to run to school or if he goes back down to part time schooling. I've just had a life threatening miscarriage and decided quite resolutely that I'm done on the babies front. But due to the age gaps between my school this is the first time in almost 13 years that I've been at home with no one to look after. Coupled with the miscarriage it all feels a little overwhelming and I know if I don't formulate a plan and have something to aim for I'll most likely go rapidly downhill with my mental health. I was thinking about volunteering at my sons school. The thought of endless empty days to be filled otherwise makes me feel incredibly anxious.

Original poster
fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:47

Thanks for all the replies! Some of these things sound suspiciously like they involve an element of work (volunteering? dogs?) but presumably all are less work than a baby and the 20 years of effort that involves.

OP posts:
FunnysInLaJardin · 17/09/2016 22:47

folk seems to get dogs. I am getting chickens next year Grin

GiddyGiddyGoat · 17/09/2016 22:50

Another one who got a dog here! Great decision and we love her... but the children are pretty independent now and we're shackled to the dog instead...

PinkCloudDweller · 17/09/2016 22:50

A lover.

Original poster
fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:50

That all sounds very stressful sloane and I hope you find some inspiration here for things to fill your time. I don't really have free time to volunteer but I know there is a great need for people who do have time to give Flowers

OP posts:
Rrross1ges · 17/09/2016 22:50

Ooo I did volunteering too. That's how I got my £50 a week job. I'm giddy with my newfound riches!

Original poster
fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:51

Pink! Are you serious?!

OP posts:
Eolian · 17/09/2016 22:54

Hobbies and a dog (and a variety of part time jobs).

SloanePeterson · 17/09/2016 22:54

Thank you fragiolo. I'll get there x funnily enough, I've been pestering dh for a dog for a year now but we're in a rented house and tbh things are already quite stressful enough. I'm also enormously allergic to most! But the thought of the love and company and the need to get out everyday (not to mention something warm and fluffy to stroke on the sofa) has a real pull that I'm finding hard to shake off.

PinkCloudDweller · 17/09/2016 22:54

Yes!

Original poster
fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:57

I don't think I could volunteer, get a dog or have an affair but I will keep thinking of something new to focus on that is not a newborn.

OP posts:
JaceLancs · 17/09/2016 22:57

Diet and fitness plan - volunteering - redecorated entire house - did some part time education

Original poster
fragiolo · 17/09/2016 22:59

Getting fit is a good suggestion since going through pregnancy is the opposite of getting fit.

OP posts:
lostscot · 17/09/2016 23:00

Kittens:-) even though we've a horse, dog, Guinea pigs and fish I just love these little bundles!

When you finished with babies, what did you do next?
fandabbydozier · 17/09/2016 23:05

Took up exercise! Three months on I did the couch to 5k challenge and now run 5k 3 times a week!

TheLastRoseOfSummer · 17/09/2016 23:11

Yoga, dancing, choir, running, weekends away with my friends, hiking, swimming, crafting, volunteering, joined a band, started a band...

God there is so much to do in life beyond having babies!

Eva50 · 17/09/2016 23:12

We had another baby! Whilst I love him totally I think I must have been insane.

TheSnowFairy · 17/09/2016 23:12

Degree and holidays abroad.

One more fun than the other Grin

But the sense of achievement completing the degree was such a good feeling.