Having a baby can be a roller coaster of emotions - especially when you first arrive home.
Most mothers find the "getting back home" an exciting (but anxious) time. Suddenly you're on your own.
For the first hours or days after giving birth (however long it is before you go home) you have support systems in place. You know that if something goes wrong or something unexpected occurs, professionals are there to help you and your baby. There is a degree of security and comfort in knowing you are not on your own. But suddenly all this is gone!
For some mothers this isn't a problem. They feel confident - and that is one of the best possible feelings for any new Mum.
The good news is that, if you let them, your maternal instincts will take over. The vast majority of women find that when they let nature take its course, the very nurturing instincts that make us mothers take over.
So don't be scared. Be natural. When baby wakes up, meet his or her needs out of instinct - you know she or he (or "they"!) needs a feed, a change, "winding", and lots of hugs and cuddles. As the ad says: "Just do it".
Have fun. Motherhood is enjoyable - especially with a newborn!
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
I just don't know how to cope!
How often have I heard those words!
Almost every mother with whom I have had contact (including myself) has had moments when things seem to get on top of you. You know the sorts of things that provide the trigger - you're trying to enjoy looking after baby but other things intrude - the washing machine breaks down, the older children want more attention, your partner's flat out with work and can't give the support you need, there's some issue in your wider family, and so on. They all add up and then comes breaking point - usually something very insignificant - but it tips you over the edge. Frustration, tears, anger, feelings of inadequacy - they all come out.
Most mums get over this pretty quickly. The tears bring relief and a supportive partner, friend, or extended family member helps. But for others its the start (or continuation) of a downward spiral. Baby blues are imminent and, in some cases, post natal depression is on the way. Its easy to feel alone and helpless.
This is what lay behind a discussion I had last year with a friend, Carolyn Jackson. We decided to start Mothers 4 Mothers - a support service provided by experienced mums to new mums (http://www.m-for-m.com.au/) to help new mothers gain confidence and competence in those first few, crucial weeks or months.
We have been astounded by the response. Mothers from all over Australia and New Zealand have contacted us offering to help - most of them lamenting the fact that the service wasn't available when they were new Mums.
My point is this. Don't give up. There is help available. Being "in the dumps" isn't the end of everything. You can do it! And there's help available from lots of people who understand how you feel and who know how to help you.
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Almost every mother with whom I have had contact (including myself) has had moments when things seem to get on top of you. You know the sorts of things that provide the trigger - you're trying to enjoy looking after baby but other things intrude - the washing machine breaks down, the older children want more attention, your partner's flat out with work and can't give the support you need, there's some issue in your wider family, and so on. They all add up and then comes breaking point - usually something very insignificant - but it tips you over the edge. Frustration, tears, anger, feelings of inadequacy - they all come out.
Most mums get over this pretty quickly. The tears bring relief and a supportive partner, friend, or extended family member helps. But for others its the start (or continuation) of a downward spiral. Baby blues are imminent and, in some cases, post natal depression is on the way. Its easy to feel alone and helpless.
This is what lay behind a discussion I had last year with a friend, Carolyn Jackson. We decided to start Mothers 4 Mothers - a support service provided by experienced mums to new mums (http://www.m-for-m.com.au/) to help new mothers gain confidence and competence in those first few, crucial weeks or months.
We have been astounded by the response. Mothers from all over Australia and New Zealand have contacted us offering to help - most of them lamenting the fact that the service wasn't available when they were new Mums.
My point is this. Don't give up. There is help available. Being "in the dumps" isn't the end of everything. You can do it! And there's help available from lots of people who understand how you feel and who know how to help you.
More information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
Friday, January 15, 2010
First Time Mum
You're a mum for the first time! Congratulations!
What an experience holding your newborn in your arms for the first time! Something that will stay in your memory forever.
I have been through this experience 3 times. Each time my pregnancy and labour was different but the reward at the end was amazing!
Seeing and holding these beautiful babies and feeling the bond you have with them is incredible: love has come into the world. I felt so proud the day I arrived home with my first baby: my son.
I never felt daunted at the task of looking after my newborn because my background as a mothercraft nurse gave me the experience and confidence to look after them. I didn't have to read books about looking after newborns as I already had this knowledge from my training and work at a maternity hospital in Melbourne.
Others of you may not be so lucky. But at least there is a lot of help available if you want it.
Further information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
What an experience holding your newborn in your arms for the first time! Something that will stay in your memory forever.
I have been through this experience 3 times. Each time my pregnancy and labour was different but the reward at the end was amazing!
Seeing and holding these beautiful babies and feeling the bond you have with them is incredible: love has come into the world. I felt so proud the day I arrived home with my first baby: my son.
I never felt daunted at the task of looking after my newborn because my background as a mothercraft nurse gave me the experience and confidence to look after them. I didn't have to read books about looking after newborns as I already had this knowledge from my training and work at a maternity hospital in Melbourne.
Others of you may not be so lucky. But at least there is a lot of help available if you want it.
Further information about Angela Long and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
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