Pregnancy and childbirth are two major, life-changing events for every woman. It is very common for first-time mothers to feel nervous about childbirth and for new moms to experience various fears regarding postpartum life. What are the things that expecting moms are worrying about? What fears does every new mother have? Perhaps getting to know the reasons behind those worries, can help to lessen your anxiety and insecurity.
Parasol Co, which is a natural baby products brand conducted interviews with a few new moms. Here is a list of common fears that most new mom faces:
1. The Fear of the Unknown
The first time you bring a newborn home can be a very overwhelming experience. There are many unknowns and changes that new parents have to adapt to, so little panicking is normal. There are many mom bloggers who share their stories, whose experiences can help you get in the know. It definitely helps to educate yourself and learn what to expect. Reading first-time parenting books, good blog articles, watching videos, talking with other expecting and experienced mothers, and keeping yourself well informed is the key.
2. The Fear of Not Knowing What You’re Doing
A lot of new moms feel insecure about whether their baby is getting enough food, whether they are performing the right techniques to bathe, burp, or swaddle their babies properly, and what natural baby products to use. It can all come naturally with time and practice, so don’t get hung up on this one!
Even when you’re a seasoned parent, there’s always something new to learn about raising a child. Baby #2 might be a completely different experience from baby #1, and being a parent is entirely different from being a babysitter or aunt or uncle! There’s no need to stress yourself out over making sure that you know everything because it’s not possible. Please keep these in mind:
You wouldn’t think babies would be very resilient, but they are. Don’t be afraid to let your baby try out new foods—they may have an allergic reaction, but don’t worry too much about this, as long as you’re aware of what signs to look for and which foods are most risky. Also, they might spit out some foods (like avocados) simply because they don’t like the texture and not because they’re having an allergic reaction.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you don’t know how to swaddle your baby properly, ask someone who does!
If you think your child may have developmental delays, ask your pediatrician!
If you need time alone or time with friends and family away from your kid(s), find someone to watch them so that you can do so!
3. The Fear of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding a baby could be one of the most daunting tasks. The process of understanding how to breastfeed, the right posture or hold and even overcoming the pain is mind-numbing. Here are a few expert tips to help you overcome this fear.
- On days one and two, you’ll learn how to handle the immediate postpartum period, how to properly latch your baby, and how to interpret her hunger cues.
- Please breastfeed your baby as often as possible on days three and four to relieve engorged breasts, which can happen when milk production increases. If your milk production is delayed or if you notice that your newborn is jaundiced or losing weight, call your doctor.
- Expect changes in your breasts on Day 5, and in your infant’s bowel movements.
- On days six through ten, take note of how much your baby is growing, how many diapers he or she goes through, and whether your baby seems to have a regular cycle of sleeping and waking. To prevent rashes on baby’s skin, use natural baby diapers.
- From days 11 through 14, you may notice that your baby is growing more quickly than he or she has been up to this point. During this growth spurt, you may need to nurse more often with greater intensity than you have before. Make sure to get plenty of rest and good nutrition so that you can best respond to your baby’s needs during this time.
Above all, be open to change. Not every mother and baby pair reacts the same way to breastfeeding, so modifying your plan as needed to keep everyone healthy is more important than following a rigid set of rules.
4. The Fear of Being Alone
Being a first-time mom can be especially lonely, especially if you live away from your family.
You are not alone.
It’s important to know that there are many other people out there who are feeling just like you are. They might not be able to be with you 24/7, but they can provide the support and friendship that will help you get through this trying time.
One of the best ways to meet other mothers is by joining a local Mothers’ group or an online community for mothers. The women in these communities will share your interests and understand exactly what you’re going through as a new mother. They may even live nearby so that if you need advice or just want to chat in person, you can do so. Even if they don’t live near you, having a friendly ear can make all the difference when you need someone to talk to about your experiences as a new mom.
The most important thing is to remember that no matter what happens, you will always have someone who loves and supports you.
5. The Fear of Staying at Home All Day With Your Child
As a parent, it’s normal to feel bored (even guilty) spending all day at home with an infant who doesn’t speak yet! Sometimes, it may feel like you’re not doing enough for yourself, your baby, or your family.
This is normal, but there are steps you can take to get out of this rut. First and foremost, be sure that you’re taking care of yourself: getting enough sleep and exercise and eating healthy foods. This will help you feel more energetic and ready to take on the world (or whatever part of it you see each day).
Finding ways to get out of the house regularly is also important. Try walking in the stroller around your neighborhood, checking out local playgroups at community centers, or going to the grocery store with your child—all of these activities can help you feel like you’re interacting with the world while still taking care of your child.
6. The Fear of Running Out of Energy
This is perfectly normal, especially since you may not be sleeping well. Make sure to get as much help as possible from your loved ones and take short naps when possible. Napping while your baby naps or going to bed early in the evenings will improve your energy level, so plan to sleep when it’s feasible. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for recovery from childbirth. Your healthcare provider can advise you on specific nutritional needs, as well as which supplements may be useful in your situation. Light exercise—including taking a short walk—can help you fight fatigue. Exercise also can boost your energy level and your mood. Just don’t overdo it and use up all your energy.
Please remember that if you are suffering from fatigue and you continue to experience persistent symptoms despite good hydration, nutrition, and rest, schedule an appointment with your doctor. A thorough examination will help to determine if you’re suffering from something else. If your fatigue is the result of postpartum depression or the baby blues, your doctor can help you to get the care that you need.
7. The Fear of Leaving Your Baby– it’s okay to be nervous. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and take time to recover while the baby is in the nursery. If you are bottle-feeding, make sure you have a steady, reliable supply of breast milk before you return to work.
It’s normal to feel nervous at the prospect of leaving your new baby in someone else’s care. But it’s also important to take time to heal and recover, and the best way to do that is to listen to your doctor, be patient with yourself, and follow their recommendations.
If you’re going back to work for a boss who doesn’t understand—or worse yet, who makes you feel bad about taking time off—just remember that you deserve this time for yourself. Take it without guilt and without shame.
If your baby was born prematurely or if you had a difficult labor or delivery, take extra time before you return to work. If you plan on using breast milk from a donor instead of formula, make sure you have enough frozen or refrigerated supply before you go back to work.
The key is to be realistic and be prepared. Listen to your doctor and follow your instincts. All will work out in the end, though it may not always seem that way at first. And remember to cherish every precious moment with your little one—be they smiles or tears—because they grow up so fast!
