Welcoming new life to the world is a job and a half in itself. However, new moms often unduly burden themselves with additional stressors.
Please don’t place the weight of the world on your shoulders with unnecessary fears. Here are eight things new moms often worry about but shouldn’t.
1. Changes to Their Bodies
Your body is an incredible, beautiful tool of creation. In nine short months, you nurtured and bore a new human life. You should celebrate every gorgeous curve that made it possible.
Modern techniques such as microneedling and plasma injection procedures can erase stretch marks. Breastfeeding can help you return to your pre-baby weight more quickly. A little retail therapy can update your wardrobe to showcase your new silhouette.
However, there’s no substitute for self-esteem and appreciation. Your little bundle of joy is a constant reminder of just how incredible a machine your body is — love it as such.
2. A Fussy Baby
Some babies cry more than others. If you have a particularly vociferous infant, chances are, you have no cause for concern. Babies cry when they feel hungry, wet and uncomfortable or become overwrought with too much excitement. They also fuss when they want attention.
If your baby seems fussier than most, you should call the doctor. However, once your pediatrician rules out any underlying disorder, it’s time to temper your mom-concern with a little self-care. Listening to a screaming infant can rattle the most sedate nerves. If you’ve addressed their discomfort and ruled out sickness, it’s okay to let your little one cry it out while you fix a spot of tea. It’s far better than losing your temper.
3. How Long to Breastfeed
Most credible health organizations recommend breastfeeding for the first year, with many parents going to age two or beyond. However, those doctors are hardly there to serve as wet nurses. You ultimately need to decide what feeding pattern works best for you and your infant.
If your schedule allows you to pump, invest in the best equipment to make the task easier. However, please don’t fret if you sometimes need to resort to formula. You can find soy milk versions for vegan moms, along with cow’s milk and specialty concoctions in powders and liquids.
4. Sniffles and Sneezes
If the past months taught people anything, it’s to fear the cough. However, if your little one comes down with some sniffles and sneezes, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Pay attention if your baby develops a fever. You don’t necessarily need to call the doctor for low-grade temperatures of 100.4 degrees or below, although you can if it will put your mind at ease. However, note that wiping your baby down with a cool cloth will probably drop their temperature a degree or two.
You can treat the common cold and flu with children’s Tylenol. You should never give aspirin to a child or teen because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. If their wee nose gets stuffy, you can use a saline nasal spray or rinse. Avoid those containing medications, as these can cause rebound congestion that’s worse than the original problem.
5. Their Agenda
Are you panicking because your child lies down for a nap at a different time each day instead of sticking to a schedule? Please don’t stress. Your child’s natural biorhythms will eventually regulate, but there’s no need for alarm if they seem plenty of pep one day at 2:00 p.m. but are sound asleep the next.
If you’re a working parent, you have less flexibility, but try to be as forgiving as possible with your schedule the first several months. If your employer is one of many that doesn’t offer paid family leave, ask about alternative schedules and telecommuting options while you adjust to life with your new infant. Given the hiring shortage, you’ll probably have better luck now, even if your boss denied such requests in the past.
6. Hitting Developmental Milestones
You probably set deadlines for when your baby should walk and say their first words. However, please don’t panic if they don’t say “mama” by the same age your best friend’s child did.
Your pediatrician is ultimately your best resource for discovering whether your child’s developmental delays are normal. Children grow at different rates, and they can rule out any underlying disorders that may delay progress. Once they do, you only need to be patient if your child is a slow starter.
7. Entertaining the Family
When you first give birth, your home can feel like Grand Central Station. Relatives near and far want to gather to catch a glimpse of the new family member and take their turn holding your little one.
Please don’t feel obligated to roll out the red carpet to welcome guests. You’ve just undergone a challenging physical feat — creating new life.
If you welcome your relative’s visits for a needed break from baby, feel free. However, please don’t hesitate to hang the “do not disturb” sign if you need a few extra days — or weeks — to recover from delivery.
8. Keeping a Tidy Home
Babies are many glorious things, but clean isn’t one of them. The fun grows even more fierce when they reach toddler age.
The constant crumb chaos can dismay you if you pride yourself on keeping your home neat enough for a squad of photographers from House Beautiful magazine. It’s okay to loosen up on the vacuum cleaner reins. Remember, your children are only young for a short time, while dust always returns. Enjoy these beautiful, perfectly messy moments.
New Moms Don’t Need to Worry as Much About These 8 Things
New moms have enough to worry about without adding more stress. Please cross the eight items above off your list of mental obligations.
