How to Support a First Time Mother

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Many women enjoy motherhood. However, the journey can be a hard one, especially for a first-time mother. The changes in daily life can be a heavy burden. Fatigue is common. 

Having a baby flips a woman’s life, and mind. Emotions are can be strongly felt after birthing a child. Stressors and worries, such as the health of the child and decisions regarding raising the child, often persist even after birth.

Depression can develop gradually in a first-time mom and it may continue for many months unnoticed. If depression is not treated properly, it may get worse after pregnancy.

If a new mom experience  any of the symptoms below for more than a few days, talk to a health professional for assistance:

  • Low mood, feeling empty
  • Irritable or resentful
  • Fear of being alone or going out not enjoying
  • Lacking or too much sleep
  • Appetite changes, not eating or overeating
  • Lack of motivation
  • Feeling like a failure
  • Decreased energy and feeling exhausted
  • Difficulty in decision-making
  • Wanting to run away from everything or having suicidal thoughts

Depression can affect both the mother and father in the weeks or even months after birth. It is something to be aware of and look out for. A health professional will help work out if the symptoms are within the normal range or if they could indicate depression. 

Radical surges of hormones transform the mind, as well as the body. Some pregnancy effects stick around long enough after the baby is born. 

Each pregnancy and delivery is different. Problems may arise. 

For example, sometimes contractions may weaken. The cervix doesn’t dilate enough or promptly. Or sometimes, the infant’s descent into the birth canal does not proceed smoothly. Labour does not progress. If this happens, a health care provider may give the mother medications to increase contractions and speed up labour. For other women, the need for cesarean delivery may arise. 

A woman’s vagina and the surrounding tissues are likely to tear during the delivery process. 

The pain does not end after the baby comes out from the mother’s womb. Women may experience a range of challenges such as:

  • Excessive bleeding after delivery
  • Postpartum infections, (including uterine, bladder, or kidney infections)
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Breast-related problems
  • Perineal area pain
  •  Hemorrhoids and constipation
  • Urinary or fecal (stool) incontinence
  •  Stretch marks
  • Hair loss
  • Difficulty regaining your pre-pregnancy shape

You might find living with a first time mom who is sad or frustrated. As with all things mental health-related, it’s great for her to share her feelings. Do not blame her Do not be judgemental to her. Listen to her, that way you understand a bit more what she is going through. 

Supporting a first-time mom will help her get through the sleepless nights. Let her know that you are there to support her during this confusing and exhausting time. 

Here is a list of simple and sweet ways to help out a new mom. 

  • Offer to make meals. Prepare and cook healthy foods for her. 
  • Provide some assistance with the necessary household chores. Help her with the laundry, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc. 
  • Offer to babysit. Let her get a good nap or have a nice, hot bubble bath to re-energize her. 
  • Encourage and help her with making and keeping appointments. Keeping her on track with her day-to-day activities is a big help. 
  • Run errands for her. Offer to be a personal assistant or be her driver.
  • Ask her. Just ask her how you can help her. 

Parenting is different for everyone. Let the first-time mom navigate the path of parenthood. She needs to discover her technique. Do not criticize and judge her chosen style. Act as a personal cheerleader whenever you can. 

Supporting a new and expecting mother is very beneficial to decrease stress and reduce postpartum depression. Supporting her will help to develop and strengthen the relationship among the family members and peers. This will also improve the social well-being and the overall health of the new mom and her baby. 

A support system, either with friends, family members or even an online community, always helps to manage whatever a first-time mom is going through. She will be able to handle it with others on her side. 

If you are concerned that the first-time mom is not able to handle the challenges even after extending different types of support, you can find a walk in clinic Hamilton for help.

The new mom will be able to work through any anxieties that may come along with being pregnant or raising her child. The most important thing to recognize is that she needs encouragement to seek help, and support to get it. Reassure her that she will feel better in time.