What To Do When You Finally Become A Mum?

Once you become pregnant you look up to Google for topics like what to do to increase your chances for normal delivery and once you become a mum you look out for topics like which foods can increase your breast milk supply, which foods to avoid during breastfeeding. But not many mums look out what is required the most right now.;


What to do when you finally become a mum.


Today I will be talking about what to do when you finally become a mum. These are all first-hand experiences and I'll be talking about mostly what I feel I should have done when I deliver my daughter and not what people told me to do. So let's get ready for the post.

Stay Calm

Now I know it's not an easy journey. You literally delivered a human and your entire body is still under recovery process. You have to stay up late at nights, you have to stay up for the late-night feedings, to change the diapers and you also have to make sure that at least you are surviving.;


Stop!


And relax!


You must understand that your baby needs you right now and not the entire family. Instead of thinking about what others say you need to focus on yourself.;


And when I'm talking about relaxing it’s not essentially about taking rest for an hour or so. I am talking about being calm in the most stressful situations. Every time you feel you might not going anymore, just sit down. Have a glass of water. And say this to yourself, “This shall pass.”


Staying calm during the newborn phase is the key to being a happy new mum.



Ask For Help




One of the biggest mistakes that I personally did as a new mum was not asking for enough help.;
Ladies, I understand you might be getting a weird guilt feeling once you become a mother. You might be thinking that asking for help might brand you as a helpless or rather an incapable mother. Relax!


The postpartum period is actually one of the toughest periods you would ever face in your entire life. You need to be THE ultimate strong person. You have to feed, change diapers, stay up at late nights and face anxiety or depression. Amidst all these chaos, you might not be able to finish all the tasks that you are ought to do. In that case, it’s absolutely fine to ask for a helping hand. Even if that means asking your husband to just pass a diaper.


It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, you should!;


Just remember, you are not a superwoman who can do everything existing under your house perfectly. And you don’t essentially need to be a superhero to prove yourself as a good mom. So why bother?!


Don’t Care About Being Judged


Since you have now become a mum, I must welcome to the group where you shall always be judged!


You will put on weight, you will be judged.
You will lose weight, you will be judged.
You would breastfeed, you will be judged.
You would bottlefeed, you will be judged.
You breathe, you will be judged.


Facing judgemental criticisms will always be a part of motherhood. So, don’t care about who says what about you, your looks or your baby. Remember, judging is the prime hobby of half of the world’s population. So, don’t bother!


Don’t Feel Guilty For Low Breastmilk


Breastfeeding is great. In fact, the entire product called “breastmilk” is no less than a miracle.


But, hey, don’t feel guilty if you can’t produce enough. By now, you’ve already understood the entire mechanism of breastmilk. But, in case your body is unable to produce an ample amount enough for your baby, it’s just fine.


Mommies, just understand that not all bodies are the same. Which means, just because your friend or anyone else has exclusively breastfed their babies, you don’t have to do it necessarily. If your body is unable to produce milk that can fill your baby, it’s not your fault. Even if you opt for not breastfeeding, it’s ok! As long as your baby is fed, healthy and thriving, you seriously shouldn’t be worrying about anything else.

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Low breastmilk or a sudden decrease in your breastmilk supply or not at all breastfeeding is absolutely normal. And definitely not something you should feel guilty!


Stay Where You’re Comfortable


Since always, I knew there’s a reason behind every Indian tradition. And it always has been!


If you’re from India, you might already know that just after delivering a baby, the new mom visits and stays at her mom’s place. Well, that explains! Probably, that’s because no place other than your mom’s can be the most comfortable one. Especially after your delivery.


If that’s possible for you, please don’t miss the opportunity. If that’s not possible, try calling over your mother in your place. The newborn phase always calls for a consistent genuine helping hand. And who can be the best caregiver for you other than your own mom?;



Don’t Feel Guilty For Not Bonding


During your pregnancy period, you might have thought you would bond with your baby and get all the motherly affections just when he’s born.


I too thought that, but I was wrong!


The reality is, in fact, bonding with your baby actually takes time.


If you actually get that bonding soon, around the first week, I would say you’re lucky. Sometimes it takes even months for some moms, to get that bonding. And trust me, that’s absolutely OK!


Every labour, every baby, every postpartum body and most importantly every motherhood is different. So does your relationship with your child. Love for your child, like every other relationship, takes time to develop and it’s only time that can nurture it. So, stay relaxed!



Speak Out About Postpartum Depression


If you do face symptoms like hopelessness, insomnia, excessive sleeping, frequent cryings or guilt, losing interests in things that you once loved, intense anger, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness, panic attacks, intense anxiety, withdrawal from your close ones, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you might be suffering from postpartum depression.


Get yourself checked soon. Don’t shy from talking out. Vent out your feelings and tell your husband or your mother or anyone whom you trust about what goes in your mind. And if required, visit a doctor.


Believe me, your mental health, especially at this stage is very crucial. Don’t ignore it!

Take Care Of Yourself


Now that you have become a mother, you need to take care of yourself more than ever. From diet to workouts, it becomes primarily important to understand that you are THE most important person for your baby.

And you just can’t take yourself or your health lightly. Make sure to include a healthy diet comprising of all the vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Try avoiding all kinds of junk foods and foods that can be gassy for your system. Breastfeeding mother or not, you need to ensure that your system is recovering well. And yes, don’t forget to workout! It is important!



So, mommies, these were some of the tips that I would genuinely like to give to all the new mums. Being a mum is no easy task! But you know what, you’re doing a great job! Kudos! Stay good, stay happy!
#newmum #newmom #indianmom #indianexpatmom #motherhoodchallenges #motherhood #beingmom #bbccreatorspost #bbccreatorsclub #bbccreators #bbccreator
@Khushboo Chouhan @Madhavi Cholera