According to a study conducted by the baby brand Munchkin, it takes new moms 4 months and 23 days to adjust to motherhood. This, of course, varies from one mother to another. While it eventually becomes easier for them to adjust to the new baby and lifestyle, getting used to the stress that comes with parenthood can take longer and might be more difficult to process.
A UK-based study claims that 70 percent of new mothers struggle with mental health problems during or after pregnancy. The stress of parenthood gets to them, and that, in turn, might affect how they interact with their baby as well as normal day–to–day activities.
However, there are ways new moms can deal with the stress of parenthood, and in this article, we’ll walk you through those ways in detail.
Prioritize Self-Care
One of the most crucial aspects of managing stress as a new mom is to prioritize self-care. It’s essential to remember that taking care of yourself enables you to better care for your baby.
Allocate some time each day for activities that rejuvenate and relax you. Make sure to get enough rest by napping when your baby does, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends.
You can also get in touch with therapists to seek help and self-care suggestions on a professional level. By searching for a “life transition therapist near me” online, you can get in touch with professionals who can help you deal with this new stage in your life.
They can then guide you through this journey and help you handle your stress much better.
According to Zencare’s life transition and stress management therapist Kimber-Lea Raef, utilizing a mindfulness-based approach in therapy can help people navigate the difficult times of their lives.
This, in turn, encourages them to seek newer ways of better understanding their stories. As you take a similar approach in therapy, you will be able to cope with the stress of parenthood in your own way.
Build a Support Network
Feeling supported and having people to lean on can make a world of difference for new moms. Reach out to other mothers in your community, join parenting groups, or attend local baby classes.
Platforms like these can provide you the opportunities to connect with other moms. They can then relate to your experiences and also offer valuable advice. Sharing your concerns, challenges, and joys with others going through a similar phase can help alleviate stress and create a sense of camaraderie.
You can also involve your family members and close friends in your support network. Since they can connect with you on a personal level and probably know you for years, their advice and support in these matters will be useful too.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine can bring a sense of order and predictability to your daily life as a new mom. Babies thrive on routine, and having a structured schedule can help you feel more in control and reduce stress levels.
Set regular times for feeding, napping, and bedtime, and try to stick to them as much as possible.
While it may take some time for your baby to adjust, consistency will eventually help them understand and anticipate what comes next. A predictable routine can also provide you with opportunities to plan your day, allowing you to accomplish necessary tasks and find moments for self-care.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
In the midst of the chaos that can accompany new motherhood, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be incredibly beneficial for stress management. Mindfulness helps you focus on your present and accept it as it is without any judgment.
In doing so, you’ll learn not to regret or dislike your parenthood and slowly learn to accept it as it is, despite how tedious it might be.
Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga into your daily routine. These practices help reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and increase overall well-being.
You can also try engaging in activities that promote relaxation, like listening to calming music, reading a book, or enjoying a warm cup of tea. They can provide soothing moments amidst the chaos and demands of parenthood.
Adjust Expectations and Embrace Imperfection
As a new mom, it’s important to recognize that perfection is an unrealistic standard. Adjusting to parenthood takes time, and there will be days when things don’t go as planned. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace imperfections and be gentle with yourself.
Understand that it’s okay to ask for help, say no to additional commitments, and let go of certain expectations. Focus on the joys and small victories, and remind yourself that you are doing your best.
By embracing imperfection and adjusting expectations, you can alleviate unnecessary stress and create a more positive and nurturing environment for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
The Pew Research Center suggests that most Americans find parenting way harder than expected. This is understandable because you can never really expect what new parenthood will bring you.
However, for moms struggling with this issue, as long as they can stick to the tips discussed above, parenthood need not feel that difficult to deal with.
If anything, the techniques we’ve discussed can actually help enhance the overall experience of being a parent.
