New mothers and expectant mothers: Advice and encouragement

Here is some "real-mom" advice from women who have been there:

"It is so hard since you are transitioning into a mother not to lose yourself. Be sure to somehow find time for you and for your husband. And, don't feel like since you are the mother you have to do everything yourself, either.

Try not to compare your child to others. That is SO hard to do when other moms start saying "My child has been walking now for months and yours is still crawling." Don't panic. It will all come with time."

- Lori, mother of 1


"Do not hide your true feelings. I had severe depression after having my daughter. I thought it was my hormones, lack of sleep, feeling overwhelmed, and adjusting to my new life. I know that was all part of it, but after 2 months I knew I needed some help. It is amazing how medicine can help so much."

- Michele, mother of 1


“If you’re nursing, buy nipple cream!!!!

If you’re nursing and working, don’t use a one-sided manual pump, it’s not effective.

If you’re nursing and working, pump at the same time or at the same intervals or you’ll dry up.
If you’re nursing and working, get your baby used to using a bottle intermittently at least a week before you return. Your babysitter will appreciate it."

- Stephanie, mother of 2


Originally posted on New Mom Central.

[new mother]
[new mothers]
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First-Time Mothers and the First Three Months Postpartum

Your life circumstances at the time you give birth can have a big impact on your experience during your first three months as a new mom. There are many factors that influence a new mother’s experience during her first three months postpartum. Here are just some examples:

• How much support you have
• Your financial situation
• Your age
• If you have multiple newborns to care for
• If you have a caring and involved partner
• Whether or not there are breastfeeding or other newborn problems
• Current and/or prior mental health issues
• Hormones
• How you feel about yourself and about becoming a mother
• The temperament of your newborn
• The prematurity of your newborn
• Complications from the birth or a ceasarean birth

There is no "one shoe fits all" experience. Many women expect a fairy-tale experience after they give birth and, granted, some women do have this experience. But others have a more difficult time of it and this is okay. There is a lot of pressure for all women to have the same experience and this is not only unfair, it is unrealistic. It is important that you accept your unique experience in becoming a mother. The fact is that this is a new experience for you. Let it unfold the way it is meant to for you. If you need someone to talk to, find someone. And whatever you do, don't feel guilty. Time passes and emotions are transient--they will pass, too.* Your newborn will continue to grow and as she does you will develop your mother skills and become more confident.

The first three months after you give birth may be one of the most difficult aspects of your transition to motherhood because, let's face it, you have never been a mother before and have a lot to learn. But it is also a unique period of time for enjoying the miracle of your new baby and building that all-important maternal bond with her or him.

* If you have depressive feelings that never seem to let up, please talk to a professional right away.


Original post on New Mom Central.

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[maternal bond]
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