New mothers need emotional support from friends and family! Here’s how to help

Becoming a new mother is a roller-coaster of emotions. While it can be the biggest blessing to someone, it can also be terrifying in certain ways. Your life changes when you become a new mother, and it may take months to get used to motherhood, a new baby, and a completely new lifestyle. This period is challenging for a new mom, and although they adjust to life with a baby on their timeline, it is always helpful if their partner, friends, and family understand. Every new mother needs emotional support because of the mixed feelings they have. This is when friends and family can offer support. support them.

But before that, let’s understand what are some of the thoughts a new mother can have.

Emotions that a new mother goes through:

1. Overwhelmed, confused, and worried

Most new moms start to question everything post-delivery. This is because the bond between the mom and the baby would not have developed as yet. It is normal to not be adept at nursing, rocking, and holding the baby throughout the night, and you cannot expect the attachment with the baby to be instant. It will take some time but remember not to question yourself.

2. Worrying about why their baby never sleeps and questioning their ability as a mother

When a baby is awake all the time, some moms may feel constantly frustrated as they also have to stay awake with them. It can be hard to focus on other joys of motherhood when you are sleep-deprived. Every new mom gets exhausted because of the lack of sleep. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and this feeling is entirely normal.

3. They may feel overburdened with the responsibility

Being a new mother is a constant and demanding job. It is important to remember moms are trying their best, but every now and then, they may have bad moments or even bad days, where they feel there are too many things on their plate.

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4. Fatigue due to all the advice they may be getting

When a new baby arrives, everyone from family, friends, and acquaintances will give their advice on how to manage the child. Though they may be well-intentioned, this can make the new mom feel as if she is not measuring up to the required standard. This could lead them to feel quite anxious and make them doubt if they are doing a good enough job

5. Why don’t I bond with my baby? What am I doing wrong?

Although bonding with the child will not be instantaneous, new moms can pressurize themselves when they are unable to do so. Postpartum depression can be caused sometimes by the lack of attachment of a new mom with the baby. New moms tend to blame themselves and feel guilty for not connecting with the baby. Baby blues are quite normal in the first few weeks post-delivery. But if it continues for a long time, it is recommended to seek professional treatment before the situation worsens.

Also Read: Freedom from postpartum anxiety: When to seek help

How can partners, friends, and family give emotional support to a new mother?

1. Love and support:

Becoming a new mom is a challenging task, and this is when they need love from their partners, friends, and family. They need someone to tell them how admirable and brave they are for pulling through the last nine months and that they are doing a good job as a new mom.

2. Helping take care of the baby:

A relationship between a couple tends to change when the little one arrives. Instead of solely focusing on each other, now the parents are focused on the baby. Even though both the parents will be stressed, sleep-deprived, and adjusting to their new life, it is especially hard for the mother’s mental health because of all the physical changes her body goes through. A partner can support her by helping out with taking care of the baby and chores in the house. Friends and family can also do the same