You are not alone
Having a new baby can be an overwhelming experience for new parents. Many of us struggle at some point during pregnancy or during the first year, in fact statistics show that 1 in 5 mothers experience emotional difficulty during this time period and 1 in 3 partners are also concerned with their mental wellbeing during this time too. There are so many changes in your body, hormones and mood during this time.
Social time can help
It may be of some comfort to know that you are not alone. Meeting up with other new parents-to-be or at groups or classes after your babies are born can be a huge source of comfort and reassurance. We realised just how important this social interaction was during the pandemic when opportunities were so much less.
What else might help?
- Accept help where possible, let a trusted family member or friend look after your baby for a while or help you around the house or with shopping
- If you feel everything getting on top of you take a tiny break and do some deep breathing or step outside for a moment
- Try to eat well and healthily
- Drink plenty of water. This is especially important for breastfeeding mums
- Try and get out of the house every day for daylight and fresh air. Some parents find it helps to have a regular weekly routine, a particular frind group on one day, a class on another day, a visit to a parent on another etc. etc. The more social the better but even visiting the supermarket can lift your mood and distract a grumpy baby for a while
- Some form of exercise can really help. Dancing round the kitchen with your baby is a Baby College favourite and great for baby too
- Looking after yourself with regular showers, a relaxing bath or a visit to the hairdresser – whatever feels like a treat for you can give you a much needed self-esteem boost.
If it feels like it is getting too much then do reach out for help: to your friends, to your family or to your GP, midwife or health visitor or maybe to your class leader. Telling someone and talking about it is a good first step to a better feeling of wellbeing.
To look after out precious little ones the best we can we need to look after our own wellbeing first and foremost.
There are organisations that can help too. Pandas Foundation for example offer hope, empathy and support for every parent or network affected by perinatal mental illness https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/
