There is nothing more exciting than becoming a new mother. However, with it also comes a lot of anxiety. There are a lot of unknowns when becoming a new parent.
Together, let’s talk through some of the things you can expect.
Breastfeeding Takes Time
As a new mom, you’ll want to learn about the importance of breastfeeding. It’s best to breastfeed for at least the first six months, if not longer. What many lactation specialists say is to remember that it takes time.
It doesn’t always come naturally, despite what you may think. You might be sore at first or have trouble with latching. These are all incredibly normal. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to a lactation consultant. That’s their job!
You can even work with a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) before your baby arrives. You can establish a relationship with them beforehand to ensure you’re set up for success once you meet them for the first time in the hospital.
Your Baby Might Be Fuzzy
You might have this image in your head of what your beautiful baby is going to look like. The reality is that their skin and body temperature used to be regulated from inside the womb to protect them.
Now they’re out and experiencing the world for the first time. The soft peach fuzz you see around their arms and neck is called lanugo. It’s nothing to fret about, as it’s entirely normal.
You’ll Wish Everything Was Established Before They Were Home
As a new parent, you’re going to be spending a lot of time and energy caring for your newborn. You won’t want to come home from the hospital and have to worry about setting up the crib or car seat.
Before your newborn arrives, make sure everything is set up and in place. Stock your changing table with diapers and wipes.
Have clothes readily available for you and the baby. Purchase your breast pump well in advance. These things will feel like it’s too much to handle once the baby is born.
Expect Your Plan to Fall Through
Throughout pregnancy, you’ve probably developed a birthing plan. This is how you want your baby to be brought into the world. However, things happen.
Situations arise where you’ll go into labor earlier than you thought, or the baby will be in distress and you’ll need a C-section. There goes your plan for a natural at-home birth. But it’s important to remember that this is not a reflection on you or your child. Just like anything else in life, plans might have to change. You have to be willing to ride the wave along with it.
Don’t Fear the “Baby Blues”
For many new mothers, postpartum depression, also known as the baby blues, can occur after childbirth. This could include uncontrollable mood swings, anxiety, or extremely low energy.
Unfortunately, this can start to interfere with your daily life if it persists and doesn’t go away. It’s incredibly important to acknowledge when it’s happening and seek help.
Have a therapist or your doctor readily available after you give birth. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, you do want to be on the lookout.
Take a Social Media Hiatus
Having a baby doesn’t mean you need to start posting a million photos of your child every single day on social media. This is the perfect opportunity to do a little digital detox for yourself.
Spend more quality time with your child and step away from the screen. We guarantee when your baby is napping, you’ll appreciate the quiet and solitude.
Conclusion
There is more to expect when becoming a new mother than this list begins to show. The key takeaway is to do your best to prepare ahead of time, and don’t be afraid if things don’t go according to plan. You’re going to be an incredible mother no matter what!