New Mothers, Be Gentle to Yourself
Written By: Mae Marshall, Graduate Student Intern
Becoming a mother can be so exciting, but it can also be challenging and stressful. About 1 in 5 women will develop mental health issues when they’re pregnant or in the first year after giving birth. Caring for a newborn can leave a mother feeling overwhelmed. Having all of this happen while going through physical and emotional changes within yourself can potentially lead to exhaustion.
If you’re a new mother who is struggling with motherhood, know that you are not alone. Mental health issues can sometimes be serious for you and your baby, especially if they’re not detected early and treated. Some common mental health issues that might arise are depression and anxiety. There are ways for you to access support and ease the potential stressors that come with being a mother.
Be kind to yourself.
Give yourself time to adjust to your new life.
Be gentle with yourself as you adjust and adapt.
Make time for self-care. Read a book. Take a hot bath. Journal about your day. Taking care of your emotional and physical needs, will help you help the baby.
It’s important to build a network of other mothers for support and advice. Consider joining a local mother’s group or even an online community to connect with others who have experienced or are experiencing what you’re going through. They may have information that you can utilize in your day-to-day life.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for professional help. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or any number of emotions, reach out to your healthcare provider for support. They are there to help you find resources for your needs while your life is transitioning.
The links listed below are provided by the CDC, one is a PDF form for immunization information for newborns and adolescents. The next is a link to the CDC’s website for Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy information.
Recommended Books:
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood – and Trusting Yourself and your Body
By: Erica Chidi Cohen
Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself
By: Lisa Marchiano
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
