Having a baby is a life changing experience. New moms may feel isolated, lonely and overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility and care they are required to give. While their own moms may be around to help or offer advice, their information could be 20, 30 or even 40 years old, making it less than ideal for today’s new mom’s needs.
Seek Out Other New Moms
Without the built in neighborhood of support that women once had, moms today need to sometimes look outside their immediate community for the help, baby advice and companionship they need.
Find out if there is a moms club nearby. Check out Meetup to see if there are other moms with similar interests who meet on a regular basis. If there isn’t one organized, consider starting one. There may be other new moms nearby feeling just as isolated.
The benefits of joining a new moms group are many. Moms are able to swap stories and advice, making new moms feel that what they are going through is normal and perfectly alright. Those whose babies are a little older can help reassure those just starting out. Being out in this situation can be relaxing, because if the baby begins to cry, everyone has been there, and no one will bat an eye.
Stay at home moms can especially benefit from this, by helping to find other moms in similar situations. This will benefit moms and babies by giving them all a chance to socialize.
Find a Mentor Mom
Many local hospitals will have a mentor mom program in place for new moms. In the case of the baby blues or a situation that is leaving the new mom particularly isolated, having a mentor mom call each week to check in is invaluable.
Mentor moms are volunteers who can offer advice, or merely a friendly ear to listen and reassure. Either way, they can be a lifeline thrown to a new mom who is struggling with the adjustment.
Try to Leave the House Everyday
Sometimes staring at the same four walls day after day can start to make a new mom feel trapped at home with her baby. Try putting the baby into a stroller and going for a walk each day. The exercise and fresh air can help rejuvenate and make the rest of the day seem easier to bear.
If the weather is uncooperative, take short trips for errands, or go for a walk at a local mall. Try wearing the baby in a sling or wrap while out in public. This will help with bonding, free the mom’s arms for packages, and help keep strangers from reaching in to touch a new baby with unwashed hands.
Try to Find Personal Time
Have the father watch the baby and go to the gym. Organize a local mom’s night out group with other new moms. Ask grandma to come in to baby sit for an hour. Having some personal time, even if it’s just a few times a month can go a long way to making a new mom feel like her self again.
Remember to ask for help if it’s needed, whether from a family member, the baby’s father or other new moms. Don’t be afraid to bring those new babies out and show them the world. Even a walk around the block each day can provide stimulation for the baby and a mental rest for the mom. Remember, this is the time to enjoy the new baby, so don’t let isolation, and other new mom struggles get in the way.
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