Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, having a baby is a big life transition. Your whole world is turned upside-down, and at times, it can start to feel stressful and overwhelming. You’ve got so many questions that need to be answered, and you may be wondering how other moms manage everything.
It is in these times that help and support mean the most, and fortunately, there are plenty of ways for first-time and new moms to find them. From post- and prenatal care to lactation and maternity consultations, here are four ways you can get support as you embark on the joyous journey of motherhood.
Rely on books and blogs to learn about pregnancy
Having a baby growing in your belly while Mother Nature prepares your body for motherhood – it’s all a new experience. While pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting journey, this “newness” can also make first-time or new mothers feel somewhat anxious. Suddenly, you’re interested in all things baby, and you want to learn as much as possible about what to expect.
Fortunately, we live in a digital era, so every piece of information is easily accessible with just a few clicks. Modern moms can rely on mom blogs to learn about everything from staying healthy during pregnancy to childbirth to breastfeeding. They can also learn a lot from pregnancy books and even schedule a maternity consultation with a pregnancy expert. There are so many valuable sources to guide and advise you during pregnancy – all you have to do is look!
Take care of yourself and your baby with prenatal care
Once you get the joyous news that you’re expecting, it is time to schedule a prenatal visit with your doctor. Whether you are a first-time or new mother, receiving prenatal care is essential because it boosts your chances of having a healthy and safe delivery. By monitoring your pregnancy, your doctor is able to keep track of your and your baby’s health. That way, they can make sure that everything from your blood pressure to your baby’s growth and heart rate is in a normal range.
Prenatal appointments are also the ideal time to ask your doctor any important health questions you may be having. For instance, you may have been reading up on cord blood banking and may need more information about the procedure. Consult with your doctor about this and other options so you can protect your little one for years to come.
Ensure optimal postpartum care
Pregnancy is the period when you need all the help and support you can get, but they shouldn’t stop there. After long nine months comes the period of recovery, and it lasts for around 6–8 weeks after giving birth. That said, some moms and babies may require a longer postnatal period to ensure their individual needs are met.
Receiving optimal care is essential during this period as this is a critical phase for both the mother and the baby. In the weeks following childbirth, new moms should also pay more attention to their diet to ensure optimal postpartum nutrition. As for physical activities like exercising, it’s best that you wait for a few days to let your body heal. Also, be sure to avoid any high-impact activities until after you go for your six-week postnatal check.
Schedule a lactation consultation
You’ve probably already considered the pros and cons of breastfeeding and decided whether it’s right for you and your family. While this is a natural and healthy way to nurse an infant, it’s not for everyone. As a result, some moms may choose to rely on formula feeding. Some moms may even decide to combine the two, while others may choose to pump breast milk exclusively.
For moms who do decide to breastfeed, having someone who can help you get started can be very beneficial. Although natural, breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy. Having a lactation consultant to rely on can be of major help in the process, especially in case of premature baby feeding and low milk supply. These professionals can also assist moms who are dealing with sore nipples or poor latch. That way, moms can resolve any feeding issues from the get-go and ensure the best possible breastfeeding outcome.
Wrapping up
Embarking on the wonderful journey that is motherhood is one of the most exhausting but also the most life-enhancing experiences. It’s a big transition and it requires complete physical and emotional engagement, and while it can be challenging, with the optimal amount of help and support in your new role of a mother, it can end up being quite an enjoyable one.
