A New Mom's Guide: What You Wish You Knew About Becoming a Parent
Before anything is said, this is a feelings post. After much research, we took a deep dive into just how much will it takes, and how much strength is garnered when one becomes a new mom. Being a new mom is one of the toughest roles in life. It not only requires physical and emotional strength but also financial, social and psychological skills. These mothers have to face unprecedented challenges such as medical complications for both the mother and baby, post-pregnancy depression etc. All these make new motherhood difficult to manage at times.
All in all, becoming a new mom can be both exciting and scary. The anticipation of bringing a new life into the world can be overwhelming and it is normal to have fears and concerns. Some common fears new mothers may have include:
- Fear of not being a good mother: Many new mothers worry about their ability to care for their child and whether they will be able to meet their child's needs.
- Fear of childbirth: Childbirth can be a traumatic experience for some women, and the fear of labor and delivery can be overwhelming.
- Fear of the unknown: The unknown can be scary, and becoming a new mother can be filled with unknowns. From not knowing what your baby will be like to not knowing what to expect during the first few months of motherhood.
- Fear of losing oneself: Some new mothers worry about losing their own identity and becoming solely defined by their role as a mother.
- Fear of not bonding with the baby: Some new mothers worry about not bonding with their baby or feeling a lack of connection with their child.
However, alongside these fears, becoming a new mom can also be one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. The joy of holding your newborn in your arms, the wonder of watching your child grow and develop, and the love that blossoms between a mother and her child are all reasons why motherhood can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It's important to remember that every mother goes through these fears and it is normal to feel them. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can help new mothers navigate these emotions and the transition to motherhood.
In the spirit of being relatable mama, here are a few things we wished we knew as we became new moms, and to help those becoming new moms to keep their head up and enjoy the process, because they have a hand around the world holding them and telling them that they are not alone.
- To start with, the physical recovery process after giving birth can be long and uncomfortable. Many new mothers experience pain, bleeding, and fatigue as their bodies heal.
- Breastfeeding can be challenging and painful, especially in the early days. It is important for new mothers to seek support and resources to help them through this process.
- New mothers often experience emotional ups and downs as they adjust to their new role and responsibilities. It is important for friends and family to be supportive and understanding during this time.
- It is normal for new mothers to feel overwhelmed and exhausted as they care for their newborns. It is important for them to take care of themselves and ask for help when needed.
- New mothers may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness as they adjust to life with a new baby. It can be helpful to connect with other new mothers through support groups or online communities.
- New mothers may feel pressure to "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy bodies and may feel self-conscious about their changing bodies. It is vital for them to be kind to themselves and focus on the well-being of their baby.
- New mothers may struggle with balancing their responsibilities as a parent with their other roles and responsibilities. It can be helpful to set realistic expectations and ask for help when needed.
- New mothers may have to navigate difficult relationships with family members or in-laws who may have their own ideas about how the baby should be cared for. It is important for new mothers to set boundaries and communicate their needs clearly.
- New mothers may be faced with difficult decisions about returning to work, and may struggle with guilt about leaving their baby in the care of others. It is important for them to explore their options and make a decision that is best for them and their family.
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience and it can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important for new mothers to be patient with themselves and their baby, and to remember that every mother and baby are different, and that there is no one "right" way to do things. It is a big step and is often accompanied by mixed feelings of joy, excitement, and anxiety, so it's normal to feel overwhelmed on your journey as you learn how to care for your little one and adjust to the demands of motherhood. But don't forget that you are not alone! There are many resources available to help you along the way, from friends, family members, and supportive communities and mom blogs such as this one. As a new mom, it's important to remember that every day brings new opportunities for growth and learning. Take it one day at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Your strength, resilience, patience, and unconditional love are what will make you an amazing mom!
“Please note: This article is only informative and should be read as such. To seek professional advice kindly contact your pediatrician or The American Academy of Pediatrics.”