Motherhood is the Greatest Thing and the Hardest Thing.
Life takes a 360-degree turn for a new mother. A woman’s world completely changes on the arrival of a baby. With so many changes, life as a new mom can feel quite challenging.
“I knew those first weeks with the baby would be hard, but I didn’t know how hard”, says Rebecca, a mother to a 20-day-old baby.
Here are the top 7 common challenges that new moms may face and how you can tackle them:
A 24-hour job
It’s usual for new moms not to feel the expected rush of maternal love after giving birth to their long-awaited baby. There can be a couple of reasons for this– new moms are probably busy recovering from the labor or effects of the anesthetic if they’ve had a cesarean. In these cases, it might not be easy to feel anything at all. But once the new mother goes home, reality kicks in. Suddenly she’s the one who has to feed, nurse, change, and soothe the baby.
Breastfeeding Can Be Tough
A new mother has 2 options- breastfeed her baby or rely on baby formulas. Although baby formulas are widely used these days, they do not provide the child with the same benefits as breast milk. Many new parents have complained of severe gastrointestinal diseases like NEC in newborns that were given Enfamil or Similac, both famous for their baby formulas. Several attorneys have seen a jump in the number of Similac lawsuit cases.
However, breastfeeding may not be as easy as you think. Several challenges could arise—like a baby not latching, painful feedings, or lack of milk production.
Tip: If you face any trouble with breastfeeding, you must get help as soon as possible to lower your likelihood of long-term issues. Consult a lactation expert, the baby’s pediatrician, or the hospital support center.
Sleep deprivation
More than 50 percent of parents face frequent sleep problems. Here are some of the reasons:
- Irregular and frequent feeding is one the first reason. Just when you thought you could finally sleep for a couple of hours, you will hear your hungry child crying to be fed.
Tip: In this case, you can sometimes pump a bottle and keep it aside. This gives you a break from feeding, and you can rest meanwhile.
- Wetting is another reason why babies wake up crying.
Tip: Ensure that you change your baby just before you plan to sleep.
- Anxiety about the baby’s care or personal issues could make sleep difficult.
Tip: Think positive, meditate, create a calming environment and RELAX!!
You Feel Alone
If you feel lonely and depressed, remember you are not the only mother feeling this way. Hence, seek emotional support and turn to moms who have been there. Join online forums and support groups to help you find other moms going through the same challenges.
Experiencing hormonal changes
During pregnancy, your entire physiology changes because of the flux of hormones. Moodiness —happens in 80 percent of women resulting in a lack of sleep and making you feel pretty low.
You might feel exhausted, irritable, have headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and gain weight.
Usually, hormones go to normal after 6 to 8 weeks with the return of normal periods.
Tips:
- Increase the fiber Intake
- Brisk Exercise
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Increase your intake of Vitamin D. Sunbathe for a short while every day
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Relationship Troubles with your partner
Life after a new baby’s birth revolves around dirty diapers, timely feeds, burping, and panicking over the smallest things. Somewhere in this, the romance seems to disappear. You might start to wonder where your marriage is headed. But guess what?
You can get past all of the problems. It just takes a little time, patience, and effort.
Tips:
• Communication: If you are upset or frustrated, share your worries with your spouse instead of feeling resentful.
• Financial planning: Money can be a big stress factor for new parents. Step back and work out a plan. Know and understand each other’s expectations and see how it eases the strain in your relationship.
You Don’t Look Like You
Many women feel heavy and get frustrated that they still look pregnant after delivering. Don’t silently criticize your body. Think of the amazing thing you did: create and deliver a baby!
Stay positive and remind yourself that your body will not be like this forever.
Final Words
Well, being a new mother is rewarding and challenging, both at the same time. There will be days when you will feel frustrated, and your baby will demand a lot from you. But remember to enjoy this beautiful phase as the tough days pass, blossoming your new phase of motherhood.
