he decision to leave the work place to stay at home with your kids is never an easy one. Sure, there are countless good reasons to take on the role of full-time mom, but choosing to do so brings along with it many new concerns, fears, and worries. How do women do it? Here, four mothers who successfully navigated the transition offer their best advice on how to smoothly adjust to this new way of life. You'll also find some in-depth tips from Catherine Mollner, MA, MBA, psychologist and clinical director of the MidWest Center for Personal and Family Development.

Plan ahead "If you can afford it, start maternity leave early. This way, you can create a routine and orient yourself before the baby comes," suggests Daphna Cox, former editor at a health Web site and mother of Winston. For instance, find out when the grocery store is the least busy, learn the library's hours, discover how long it takes to walk to the nearest park, and scout out baby-friendly restaurants.

Affirm your decision "Stay-at-home moms sometimes get the feeling from neighbors, family, or former colleagues that what they're doing isn't important," says Mollner. If others undervalue your job, remind yourself daily of why you chose to stay home. You know you now work on a 24-hour time clock.  "Each time you see a 'first' realize that you might not have had the opportunity to be there if you were working outside the home," suggests Martha James, a former math teacher and mother of Aletheia. 

Rise and shine "Shower! Shave! Get dressed! If you are put together in the morning, it will impact how you deal with the whole day and its events," says Lisa Bradley, former kindergarten teacher and mother of Olivier and Th‚o. It's true, looking good does have a lot to do with feeling good -- even if looking good simply consists of running a comb through your hair and applying some lipstick.

Be productive Keep a weekly calendar. "I always used one at work to make sure I knew what I had to accomplish, so why not do the same thing while home?" asks Donna Coco, editor of a university magazine and mother of Toni.  "The goals are different -- cleaning a certain room or buying groceries. But it helps keep life somewhat in order." Cox suggests holding your baby in a sling or other carrier while you work. The motion is calming for babies, and completing tasks gives you a sense of control.

Establish a routine "Setting a pattern will help you and your child adjust to being home together," says Bradley. For James and her daughter this means designating specific times each day or week to read or have play dates.

Be social Meeting with other moms allows you to share ideas and encouragement, much like office meetings, notes Mollner. "Don't go it alone -- even if you're 'perfectly satisfied' doing so," echoes Bradley. "It'll eventually take a toll." And getting out of the house to meet up with others can help you avoid feeling trapped there.

Embrace new challenges If you miss the creative and intellectual demands of your former job, one way to maintain that stimulation is to learn about your baby's developing motor and cognitive skills and how you can help your child grow, Mollner says. And despite what you think, you do have time to take up a new hobby, be it writing, knitting, jewelry making, cooking, and on and on.

Take breaks Avoid the temptation to mother nonstop. "Take at least one mini-break daily. For example, have tea and read a (non-parenting) magazine or book while junior naps," suggests Cox. "Also, ask your partner or a friend or family member to take over baby duties at least once a week so you can get out of the house alone."

Pursue your interests Preserve your sense of self by maintaining an interest or hobby that you had before parenthood. For example, Cox bakes sourdough bread, while James takes the time to tutor a few students a week.

Julia Maranan, a former editor at Natural Health magazine, is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health and fitness.

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