While every mom’s experience is unique, many will go through similar challenges. Your life is about to be a bit tumultuous, but it’s so worth it! Here are some of the common struggles all new moms face and how you can work through them.
1. Lack of sleep
There’s no avoiding this one. Every mom struggles with a lack of sleep during the first months. It gets better over time, but it could be 18 months before you get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t be discouraged if your child seems to get up more often than other kids her age. All children are different. You can get more sleep by napping when baby naps and catching up on sleep by letting a family member watch the baby for the night.
2. Breastfeeding is hard
You would think it would come naturally, but it doesn’t for most women. It takes practice for you and your baby to get into a rhythm. If you’re struggling (you feel your baby isn’t eating enough or you’re experiencing a lot of pain), speak with a lactation consultant.
3. Relationship troubles
When you’re sleep-deprived and unsure of yourself, it’s easy to get into fights with your significant other. Don’t let your high-stress state get the better of you. Make sure you’re communicating about issues with the baby and each other. If you just can’t stay awake for another feeding but it’s your turn, speak up and help each other.
4. Your body has changed
Unfortunately, pregnancy and birth take a toll on our bodies. As much as we’d like to hope we have the genes to snap back into shape, it’s unlikely. Expect it to take 18 months to 2 years before you recover your pre-pregnancy body. Do some basic exercises around the house, but don’t feel pressured to get back to the gym right away.
5. Going back to work
Returning to work is harder than most expect. Not only will you be leaving your little one every day (something that’s incredibly hard even though you long for adult conversation), but you’ll find that it is hard to get your brain back into work mode. You’ll have to readjust back to life in the workforce. There’s no easy solution for this…it will be hard at first but it does get easier with time.
6. Self-doubt
This is a big one. Every mom experiences this, even with their second or third child. No one has all the answers. You’re going to figure it out as you go along. Ask a lot of questions and trust your instincts.
Written by Dr. Nina Farzin, Inventor of oogiebear
Nina is a wife, mother and career professional who never intended to start her own business. When her children were newborns, she ached to ease the discomfort from dry, stubborn, crusty mucus (boogers)! As a doctor, she knew there were no safe solutions on the market to help her kids, so she invented oogiebear, a revolutionary booger removal tool that helps babies breathe easier.
Nina graduated Howard University where she earned her doctorate in Pharmacy (R.Ph, Pharm.D). She is a Registered Pharmacist in Washington DC, Maryland and New York. Nina and her family are fitness enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor activities and healthy eating.
For more information, please visit www.oogiebear.com.
Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and not to give professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding your child’s health and before following any of the suggestions in this post.
