Becoming a new mom is an amazing experience in many ways, but it can test you to your limits, especially if it’s your first time. However, by being aware of some of the issues you may face, you can be prepared and make sure you get all the support you need. That is why I’ve written below some of the most essential things every new mom needs to know. Read on to find out what they are.
You may not feel a connection with Baby right away (& that’s OK)
Many new moms expect to feel an overwhelming connection to their new baby the minute they are born. However, in practice, things sometimes work differently. After all, you have just gone through a significant physical and emotional experience of giving birth, and this can affect different people in different ways, not to mention all the hormones that are going around in your system.
Instead, don’t feel alarmed if you do not have that instant connection as long as you can care for your baby. Instead, give yourself time and space to recover and let that connection build. Suppose the situation continues over the medium to long term. In that case, you may wish to speak to your medical team about it because it can be a sign of postpartum depression, which is a condition that we will talk about in more detail below.
Postpartum is a real and serious condition.
Postpartum depression, or the baby blues as it’s also sometimes known, is a condition that affects the mood of new and recent mothers. It’s also incredibly common and something that moms can get support for.
Signs of postpartum depression include:
- Frequent crying
- Change in appetite to eating more or less than usual
- Change in sleep, either sleeping more or less than usual
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Low mood or mood swings
- Trouble bonding with your baby
- Having no energy
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your medical professional ASAP so they can provide the support you need to be happy and healthy.
You may decide to change the baby’s name.
Another thing new moms need to be aware of is that despite spending lots of time and energy choosing the perfect name for Baby, it just doesn’t fit them once they’re born. Indeed, this situation happens frequently, and you can use tools like this name generator to come up with more suitable opinions. Just remember it’s much easier to change Baby’s name if you haven’t registered it formally, so if you have doubts, it is better to address them sooner rather than later.
Breastfeeding can be hard (& there are other options)
While it’s touted as the most healthy and natural option, breastfeeding can be challenging. Some babies can struggle to latch, while others don’t want to seem to take the nipple at all. It can also be painful and frustrating for mom, especially when she can tell her little one is hungry.
To that end, it’s important to note that there is support for people struggling to breastfeed and alternative options such as expressing milk, bottle feeding, and using formula.
