Being a mother is a wonderful experience and the closest thing to a miracle that women get to experience. But if you are a first-time mother, there are aspects of motherhood that might scare you or at least replace some of your excitement with concern. This can be avoid if you stay informed and know what to expect from such an experience. Let’s go through some of the most common struggles that mothers go through in their first phase of motherhood.
1. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
You have spent 9 months carrying your baby inside of you and as soon as you give birth to them, you might have to face a bunch of emotional changes that will affect you to the extent of depression. However, even if many mothers face this challenge, you don’t have to be a sure victim. If you keep your mind occupied and if you focus on the positive aspects that are going on in your life, there will be not much space left for anxiety and depression. Meditation might be a great cure for this situation so get familiar with relaxation techniques and be comfortable with yourself.
2. Breastfeeding the Baby
You might be one of those mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies the old fashion way and that is honourable because it is the most natural way. But even if you choose this method, a time will come when you might decide to use a bottle while still feeding your baby with your breastmilk. And that is where the research starts, especially on how to store the breastmilk and how to offer best quality of it to your baby. You can express breastmilk by using different methods from expressing it by hand to using a special pump and whatever the method you choose is fine as long as you are comfortable with it. Storing breastmilk is highly important when it comes to preserving its properties and there are some rules that you need to follow such as: never refreeze the breastmilk again, you can store it in a refrigerator for up to 5 days but if you use a cooler bag you will have to use it within 24 hours and if you let it sit on the table it will only stay good for up to 6 or 8 hours. After you store it right, you might have to warm it up before feeding the baby again and the proper temperature of a good breastmilk is the body temperature which is 98.6 degrees F so make sure you bring it around this temperature before feeding it to your baby. Follow these rules and keep an eye on the quality of your breastmilk by checking its consistency and colour to make sure it is good for consumption.
3. Body Changes
After you give birth, your body will get back to normal measurements that you had before your pregnancy, but this will take time; you can help it a little with some good exercise. But you will not be in shape right away and you might be unfamiliar to all these anatomical changes that are going on. So take your time adjusting to your new self and be understanding with your body! Don’t expect more than you should in a short period of time.
4. Sleep Deprivation
Babies come with a schedule of their own which might not be the schedule that you have been used to. They will cry when they need to be fed, changed, walked and they will not have any mercy on you. Try accepting the situation the best you can and take naps every time you get the occasion because chances are you will not sleep an entire 8 hours for a few months. But it will all be worth it for the long run, so adjust to the situation and make sure you get plenty of rest when you can. A healthy diet will help you face this time a lot better too!
5. The Fear
You are a mother! This alone can be terrifying as much as it is exciting and can have an intense impact on you at many levels. All of a sudden, you are responsible for another human being who is completely depending on you. Try to get all the advice that you need from your family and close friends, and ask for help every time you need it because being a mother can be a struggle even if it comes natural. You will be concerned about doing the right thing and not making major mistakes and double checking some of your decisions can’t harm at times. Relax as much as you can and enjoy the miraculous aspect of being a mother rather than focus on the overwhelming side of it and things will fall into place before you know it.
Author: Tracy Irina Maria
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: Irina Maria Tracy was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania. She studied journalism at University of Bucharest and Political Science at National School of Political Science and Public Administration Bucharest. Irina is also a journalist, with several political and social articles and has also moderated a political talk show at a local channel in Romania. However, her true love, writing, became reality with her first novel, The Answer of the Darkness, known by the Romanian title “Raspunsul Intunericului”. The book is a science fiction thriller, that explores the subject of the Apocalypse, in an unique and captivating way. Irina is very active on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/irinamariatracyofficial, where she likes to keep in touch with her fans and share her new writing updates as well as new promotions for her fans.
A fan of philosophy and art, she also includes these influences in her books, making them not only interesting fictional books but also full of deep insights on religion, spirituality, love and life in all its complex ways.
Link to social media or website: https://irinamariatracy.wordpress.com/
