Becoming a mother is something that most women look forward to because it is a unique experience. However, if you are a first-time mother, you are probably anxious as you wait to see how this new chapter of Motherhood unfolds.
Motherhood is not easy, but it is a fulfilling journey because you get to witness as your child grows into an independent person who can do most things by themselves. However, as a new mother, there are probably a few things that you need to know to make your journey smooth and bearable.
Buy Things You Need Early
Some of the things you will need include baby clothes, toys, clothes for yourself, and baby utensils and cutlery. The moment you realize that you are pregnant, you will need to start setting aside money to cater to baby needs even before they are born. Therefore, preparation is critical during pregnancy.
With the help of your partner or an experienced mother, you can start by writing a list of the things you may need for your baby. After preparing the list, start saving up or setting aside money to buy the necessities. You need to have most things on the list by the sixth month of pregnancy as you await the baby. Planning will save you a lot of stress and agony after giving birth.
Breastfeeding May Not Be As Easy
Breastfeeding may not be easy for every mother, as many moms prefer breastfeeding their babies. When a woman becomes pregnant, and after giving birth, many changes happen to their body, and it is not always easy adjusting.
Some women experience milk production issues while others experience breast-related complications, and it may not be easy to breastfeed. When this happens to you, you may get forced to formula feed. However, you need to realize that that does not make you less of a mother. You are doing just fine, and your baby will grow into a healthy baby as long as you follow all your doctor’s or nutritionist’s guidelines.
If you can breastfeed normally, do it until your baby gets to the age where they stop breastfeeding. If you are a first-time mother, you may have questions regarding enhancing your milk production. It is essential to follow a healthy breastfeeding diet and get enough guidance from our nutritionist.
Things May Not Turn Out As Planned
If you are pregnant for the first time, it is only standard for you to make plans and even overdo the planning on most occasions. You have probably read most books and watched videos and films that talk about Motherhood because of excitement and anxiety. Planning is okay, and it is recommended on most occasions.
However, you need to know that everything may not go as planned. Your baby may come earlier or later than the expected date. All that is okay as long as you get guidance from a qualified doctor. You probably wish to breastfeed your baby as a first mom, but you may start developing milk production issues.
You may have everything planned out, but things may underwhelm you, and other situations may exceed your expectations. Remember to keep calm in both cases and always seek help whenever you feel like something is not working out.
It May Take Some Time Before Completely Bonding With the Baby
Bonding is the unexplainable attachment that occurs between a baby and the parents. It draws the parents closer to the child and vice versa. A bond is created in many ways before and after a baby is born. For example, it may happen through the kicks during pregnancy, touch, breastfeeding, and spending quality time with the child.
Bonding can happen immediately for some individuals, and it may take some time for other individuals. If the latter happens to you, you need not worry. Instead, be patient with yourself and spend as much time as you can with your child. Eventually, you get to create a bond through the daily routine you make with your baby.
Find a Support System
The first few months of Motherhood may be challenging if you are a first-time mom. Most of your days will be all about figuring out something new and familiarizing yourself with how to handle a baby. If you can, try and hire a nanny who can help you around the house and with the baby when you get overwhelmed.
Accept help from your partner because you will need all the help you can get. When you feel anxious and depressed, talk to them and be open to accepting help in whatever form. When your close family members offer to help you around the house, allow yourself to relax and let them help you. You need to relax and feel energized at all times as you raise your child.
Give Yourself Time
As a new mother, you need to be easy on yourself. Give yourself time to learn and understand your baby. Take your time to understand what irritates them and what soothes them and learn how they react to most things. You will not learn everything in a day because learning is a never-ending process, even when it comes to Motherhood.
Every day make sure you learn something new by looking through the internet or interacting with first-time moms. There is always so much to learn online; take time to educate yourself and learn about babies. Be gentle with yourself when you make a mistake because it is normal, and you will make more mistakes. You only need to learn from the mistake and move on from the situation.
It Is Okay to Breakdown
Motherhood can get overwhelming for a first-time mom because taking care of a newborn requires patience and so much strength. However, there is no shame in breaking down or admitting that you are overwhelmed and exhausted because it is normal.
Take some time off if you need to by taking a walk or taking a nap as someone else takes care of the baby. Of course, you will need those breaks once in a while; embrace them and take it all in; you are only human.
Stop Comparing
As a new mother, you may find yourself comparing your journey to that of another new mother or other experienced mothers. It is also customary to start comparing the progress of your baby and other babies that you interact with, which is okay, but it may be overwhelming when you do it so much.
All mothers are different because people do things differently. It is okay to seek advice from other mothers but resist comparing your journeys. Your experiences will always be different from that of another person, and the sooner you understand that, the easier it will be for you.
Babies are also different. Babies like different things and also grow and develop within different timeframes. So comparing the growth of your baby and that of other babies can get depressing.
You Keep Learning Every Day
As a new mother, stay open-minded to learning new things and ways of handling your baby. Anytime you visit your doctor or nutritionist, ask as many questions as you and ensure you understand everything shared.
Listen to Your Motherly Instincts
As a new mother, you will have motherly instincts. Learn to trust your gut and do what you feel is suitable for your baby. Every mother only wants the best for their child. There will be so much information out there on how you should take care of your child. Trust your motherly instincts at all times.
Being a new mom is exciting, but it sometimes comes with many changes that may overwhelm you. However, you only need to know a few things before starting your journey as a first-time mother.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe
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