December 07, 2022 4 min read
Being a new mother is a joyful and precious time, but it can also be challenging. Taking care of a newborn is a demanding job and navigating new motherhood can be stressful, mummy.
If as a new mum you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, you are not alone.
Most women go through a range of emotions and mood swings as they get used to motherhood.
While many new mothers go through mild levels of stress to postpartum depression, the important thing to remember is that your mental well-being is important for you, your baby, and your family. Even as you struggle to do your best for your family, you also need to prioritise your own needs.
This is why we have curated some tips for you to take care of your mental health.
Don’t feel pressured to return to your pre-pregnancy state.
Pregnancy and motherhood are major changes in a woman’s life. Some first-time mothers think that once they have given birth, they will be able to return to their original selves before pregnancy - from losing the pregnancy weight to being able to do everything they were doing before conceiving.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to take your time and gradually resume a regular life. Also, know that with the baby, you might not be able to do everything you were doing earlier. Take help where you can and accept that these changes will be a part of your life.
Becoming a mother is an important milestone and if it changes a few things for you, take them in your stride.
Know that every mother is different – you do you!
Avoid comparing yourself to other new mums. Every mother has her own journey, and each journey has its own beauty and its ups and downs. Just because a mum is doing things differently doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. So, whether you feel someone else is managing their home better, cooking healthier meals, or losing weight faster, don’t let these comparisons affect you.
Believe in yourself and believe that you are doing your best.
Take a deep breath and know that you don’t know the complete story behind what you see in the other mum. You don’t know her challenges and struggles and see only the part she chooses to display. If you are falling into the trap of negative comparison, make a conscious effort to come out of this loop.
Know that every baby is different, too.
Not all babies reach developmental milestones at the same time. So, if your sister’s baby started sleeping through the night at two months and your baby is still waking up five times a night at six months, don’t think you are doing something wrong. Each baby is unique, and they develop at their own pace.
Give your baby the space to develop, good nutrition, and lots of love. The rest will follow.
Go easy with your to-do lists.
It’s a good practice to create to-do lists for yourself when you have a lot of chores to take care of. However, try not to be too hard on yourself when you cannot complete a to-do list as scheduled. As a new mother, there could be unexpected chores and surprises that detract you from completing all tasks as planned.
This is completely okay. Instead of being too rigid about your to-do list, focus on finishing high-priority tasks and go easy on low-priority tasks that can wait. For example, making sure your toddler has her meal on time is a high priority but sorting and folding the laundry can wait if you are too tired.
Love yourself and your body.
It is quite normal to go through physical changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
Remember that you have created a human life inside you and are now working round the clock trying to take care of the tiny human. That’s an accomplishment in itself.
So, don’t let the weight gain or the physical changes in your body affect you.
Learn to love your body for what it has given you – your little bundle of joy.
Also, show some love to yourself. Take time out for self-care and give yourself an occasional pampering session. From a spa day to just lounging with a book and your favourite snack, take some me-time every now and then.
When you take some time out for yourself, you will be able to get back to mummy duty feeling rejuvenated and more energetic.
Ask for help when you need it.
As mothers, we often think that all the work related to the baby is our responsibility only. But remember that it’s perfectly alright to ask for help when you need it.
So, when you are going through sleepless nights or feeling tired and overwhelmed, do ask for help from your family or friends.
Share your worries and emotions.
As said above, lots of women go through a range of emotions after childbirth. When you go through fears, anxiety, or any other negative emotions, give way to your feelings by speaking to someone. This could be a trusted friend, your spouse, or a family member. You can also speak to your doctor and get references for professional help.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be bottling up your feelings and should be able to vent them out. If you are feeling stressed, venting your feelings to someone can help tremendously.
Adjusting your life to the needs of a new baby is an important turning point. Even if you are facing challenges adjusting to your new life, hang in there.
Most of the challenges you are facing today are temporary.
But while you are here, cherish these moments, too. Your little one is going to be this little only once.
Enjoy these moments and have faith in your own abilities. You got this, mummy!
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