Finding Your Footing As a New Mom

Regardless of your preparation, planning, and anticipation, having a child is a transformative experience unlike any other. Becoming a parent brings enormous changes to one’s sense of identity and overall life goals, as well as emotional and physical exhaustion—all of which can be overwhelming when forging a new identity as a parent. Given the demands of caring for a baby, as well as the societal and cultural pressures on new mothers, finding healthy ways to balance your responsibilities and prioritize your own needs is key to navigating this stage of life.

Below are our top tips to help you in your transition to motherhood. 

Scheduling Self-Care

As a new mother, it's easy to focus entirely on your baby while neglecting your own well-being. However, taking time for self-care is crucial not only for your physical and mental health but also for your ability to be the best mother you can be. You may have heard the old expression, “if mama ain't happy, ain’t nobody happy”, which demonstrates the importance of the mother’s well-being to the health and happiness of the family as a whole.

Caring for both your physical health and your mental health is essential in the early weeks and months of adjusting to your new life as a mother. The physical and emotional demands of motherhood can be significant, and it's normal to experience a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and even sadness. If you feel overwhelmed by the changes and responsibilities that accompany new motherhood, a therapist can be a powerful support and can provide effective tools and strategies to help you manage stress and anxiety.

Although your time for self-care may be extremely limited in the first few weeks of your baby’s life, you can gradually expand it as the weeks and months progress. Start small with simple, attainable expectations, such as taking 10 minutes for deep breathing exercises, scheduling a 15 minute phone call with a friend, or taking a 20 minute walk on your own. From there, you can build on that foundation to gradually incorporate longer, more substantial self-care activities, such as lunch or dinner out with friends, a fitness class, or a trip to the salon. Taking time away from your baby may feel self-indulgent in the early days, but it can go a long way in counteracting feelings of burnout, stress and exhaustion that are common experiences for new mothers.

Identifying Your Parenting Style

While there are copious books, blogs, and experts offering advice, the reality is that there is no singular approach to raising a child. Each baby is unique, and so is every mother. Embracing your personal parenting style and discovering what works best for both you and your child is a process that takes time.

One of the most important things you can do as a new mother is to trust your instincts. No one knows your baby better than you do, and you are the expert when it comes to your family’s needs. It is completely normal to experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you, your baby, and your family.

At the same time, seeking support and guidance from family members, fellow mothers and professionals can be both helpful and advantageous. Joining a support group or attending parenting classes provides opportunities to connect with others and gain valuable insights into overcoming parenting challenges—you do not have to go it alone!

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Parenting

Today’s parenting presents its own set of challenges. From managing social media and screen time to coping with “mom guilt,” the pressures on new mothers can feel overwhelming.  One of the most significant challenges new mothers face today is the societal pressure to be the "perfect" mom. Social media and parenting blogs often create unrealistic expectations, fueling feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It is important to remember that perfection is unattainable, and making mistakes is an inevitable part of the parenting journey. Rather than striving for perfection, focus on being a "good enough" parent, knowing that your love and care for your baby are what matter most.

If you are having symptoms of depression or anxiety that have lasted for two weeks or more, it is time to seek treatment; postpartum depression is a serious condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety which emerges after giving birth due to a range of potential factors including hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the stress of caring for an infant.

Becoming a new mother is both challenging and rewarding. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. By prioritizing self-care, reaching out for help when needed, and discovering your own parenting rhythms and style, you can confidently navigate your new role and enjoy your new baby. Above all, be kind to yourself and savor the precious moments of this exciting new stage of life.

Written by:

Laura Kraber

Mental Health Counseling Intern