Coping With The Anxiety Of Having A Baby

Congratulations! You have survived through nine months of pregnancy and are now ready to head home to commence a new life with baby. The entire world is dizzy with joy as you cuddle your little one in your arms. But once home, a new kind of reality sets in and you may find your life spiraling out of control.

Getting Help After Birth

Having a new baby in the house can be very overwhelming. It’s impossible to do everything on your own and natural for you to freak out when faced with a wailing baby every day. Consider hiring help, even if it is for a short time after birth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your baby. Your relatives and friends may be happy to chip in and help out at times.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet will help to restore your health which includes your physical and mental health. Processed foods should be avoided as they are mainly high in saturated fats, salt and sugar and low in essential nutrients. Fresh fruits, raw nuts, seeds, low-fat yoghurt and wholemeal crackers are good choices if you need some healthy snacks.

Exercise

When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins. Endorphins help to improve our mood and overall sense of well-being. Go for a brisk walk, do some pilates or yoga while the baby naps. Engage in some strength conditioning exercises while the baby plays on his own. Moderate exercise can help mothers shed off baby weight and improve sleep at night.

Make Time To Unwind

Go ahead, take some time off each day to unwind by relaxing with some music, reading a book or watching some TV. Indulge a little at times, your mind needs some time to unwind and relax. Don’t feel guilty if you need to limit visitors for some well-deserved rest and “me time”.

Join A Mothers’ Group

Meeting and chatting with other mothers may help you to sort out some of your “burning baby questions”. Somehow, it sets your mind at ease when you realised that other mothers are also facing the same baby problems that you battle with every day. You are not alone! There is a common connection and a sense of camaraderie to be amongst them, sharing experiences and learning from one another.

Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself

As a new parent you have no idea what you are doing, need time to figure things out but at the same time, desperately want to get things right. You will need time to familiarise yourself with the baby’s different cries, the best way swaddle your baby and for breastfeeding mummies, producing enough breastmilk for your baby may also be a cause for anxiety. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep calm and take charge. You will be handling your new role as a “mummy expert” in no time.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep calm and take charge.”

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