Becoming a mother is a terrifying and thrilling experience filled with constant worry and stress, but there are a few ways to ease the transition into motherhood. The most important thing to remember is how natural a process it is. While stressing out during the nine months prior to birth, keep in mind how many millions of years this process has taken place; people have been creating and raising babies since the beginning of time.
Advice for New Moms
Being prepared for major changes to take place and allowing them to happen naturally will make the transition much easier. A lot of new moms know their lives will undertake a drastic change but few realize it can be easier than expected. Important decisions can be tackled early on to lessen the chance of being caught off guard.
Some questions to ask are whether extended time off work is needed, if it’s preferred to breast or bottle feed, and if someone is required to help around the house in the beginning. Knowing the answer to these questions will ease the stress in the first few weeks.
Maternity Leave Options
Time to recuperate after labour is important, so going back to work shouldn’t be rushed. That might not seem like an option for some, financial problems can make it difficult. However, maternity leave options are available to cover wages. Some jobs don’t provide maternity leave benefits but the Canadian government, for example, has maternity unemployment insurance available. High wages shouldn’t be expected, though the payments will cover the cost of living. To qualify for maternity employment insurance in Canada at least 600 insurable hours need to have been worked in the last year. Typically, maternity leave benefits are paid for up to 50 weeks.
Breastfeeding Trouble
For those choosing to breastfeed, it’s important to have the proper support and resources on hand. It can be frustrating in the beginning and any assistance will be needed. Nursing is very natural, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Having plenty of support, knowing where to contact lactation consultants and arranging for formula supplements in case of any problems are the best steps to take to ensure the baby is properly fed. Most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff solely to help new mothers with nursing. Organizations like La Leche League are helpful resources for mothers having trouble.
Make the First Weeks Easier
The new addition to the family needs to be fed every three hours, so a full night sleep won’t be feasible, at least not for the first few months. As long as naps are taken when the baby sleeps it’s possible to get the required amount of rest, if not the amount desired. Some new mothers choose to have someone stay with them to help for the first few weeks. The physical exhaustion felt after childbirth might be unexpected and any energy will be needed to take care of the baby. Having someone around to help with the housework and other activities could greatly reduce the stress.
The quantity of changes can be overwhelming at first, but with the proper planning and resources the transition can be made easily; time can be focused instead on the new baby in the family.
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