Adjustment Issues for New Moms
For women who have been used to running a business or working in the outside world, the prospect of spending an entire day changing diapers and breastfeeding is not exactly an easy one to adjust to. The pace is much slower, and everything takes longer than it used to. Even getting in and out of the car is more cumbersome than before, with the added diaper bag, stroller, and car seat. If you're not prepared for these kinds of changes, they can be quite a jolt.
The First Six Weeks
The first six weeks after your baby's birth are consumed with new detail; every day you learn something that you didn't know before and that you were unprepared for. It's a time of trial and error — a time for you to get used to having a baby to care for and for the baby to get used to being cared for by you.
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Be prepared to be tired a lot and more than a little overwhelmed. The incredible sense of responsibility for this tiny little life can be scary to many new mothers. Friends who have recently given birth will tell you that this sense of responsibility was something they could never have imagined or prepared themselves for properly.
You're Not the Only One Who's Overwhelmed!
Your partner may be feeling some of this new responsibility, too, and may be as overwhelmed as you are. Don't be afraid to share your feelings openly with each other; you will both need each other's support during this time in your lives.
Above all else, don't be too hard on yourself, particularly if this is your first time being a mother. If you have a hard time dealing with parenting issues, seek the help of a support group for new parents or check out an online support group. There is help out there; you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
