Becoming a new mom is one of the most life-changing experiences a woman can go through. While it’s an incredibly exciting time, it’s also a period of adjustment, both emotionally and physically.
Here are ten things that nobody tells you about being a new mom:
- You might not feel an immediate bond with your baby. Many new moms assume that they will feel an instant, overwhelming love for their newborn. While this does happen for some women, it’s not uncommon for others to feel disconnected or even indifferent towards their baby at first. Don’t worry, this is normal, and bonding takes time.
- Breastfeeding can be a challenge. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Many new moms struggle with getting their baby to latch, experiencing pain, and feeling self-conscious about breastfeeding in public. If you’re having difficulty, don’t be afraid to seek help from a lactation consultant or your doctor.
- You might experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. It can cause feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness, and can make it difficult to bond with your baby. If you think you might have postpartum depression, talk to your doctor.
- You’ll be sleep deprived. Newborns don’t have a regular sleep schedule, which means that you won’t either. Expect to be up several times a night to feed, change, and comfort your baby. This can be exhausting, but it’s temporary.
- You’ll need to ask for help. Being a new mom is a full-time job, and it can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Whether it’s watching the baby while you take a nap, cooking a meal, or running an errand, any bit of help can make a big difference.
Next what they don’t tell you…!
- Your body will go through changes. Your body will go through a lot of changes during and after pregnancy. You might experience stretch marks, loose skin, and changes in breast size and shape. It’s important to be kind to yourself and give your body time to heal.
- You might feel isolated. Being a new mom can be isolating, especially if you’re the first among your friends or family to have a baby. It’s important to reach out to other new moms for support and social interaction.
- You might not feel like yourself. Between the physical changes, lack of sleep, and new responsibilities, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve lost a sense of yourself. It’s important to take time for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy.
- Your relationship with your partner will change. Having a baby is a big adjustment for your relationship with your partner. It’s important to communicate openly and make time for each other, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
- It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Being a new mom is a big responsibility, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or take a break when you need it.
In summary, being a new mom is an exciting but challenging time. It’s important to take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, and know that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during this time. /mommytobe
