5.) Advice to new mothers.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep! I can’t stress that enough… I don’t mean to do nothing but sleep. You’re a new mom and you certainly have your hands full. But I was told to “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” and I ignored it. Boy, was that a bad call on my part. I figured, “Yeah, right, but I’ve got tons of stuff that I want and need to do!” Pppttthhhhh! I’d try to do something, figuring that I’d do “whatever” for just a few minutes, then take a nap. HA! Just as I’d be wrapping up getting ready to lie down, WAAAAA!!!!! There’s the baby. Up and cranky and hungry with a full diaper. (honestly, I’ve never seen anyone pee as much as my son! But that’s another post. LOL) Hours later, I’d finally get him back to sleep and finally get my 15 minutes of snooze-time before it would start all over again.
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| One day old |
And you’ve heard about this PPD crap, right? The Post-partum depression that some women suffer from… well, everyone gets moody, right? You just had a baby, your hormones are all out of whack, you’re having anxiety because this is your first or because it’s just such a tiny, helpless thing, and you just feel a bit out of sorts. Well, don’t let it get out of hand. A few weeks of that is usually normal, but if it goes past that, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Even if you feel totally stupid about it. I was told this same piece of advice. I didn’t listen. Now my baby is one year old and I’m a total basket case and on meds with a full-blown case of PPD and PPA (post-partum depression and post-partum anxiety.)
So, to recap, SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS and BE TOTALLY HONEST WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, ETC.
Yes, I’m yelling because no one yelled at me, no one checked up on me, I didn’t have any close female support, so I missed out on some really wonderful bonding time with my son because I was emotionally distant and unable as well as physically exhausted. Please don’t let that happen to you.
I’m getting better now and I’ve bonded with my son, but I’m sorry that I let it go so long and I’m still exhausted, but I take more naps now!
So, to the new mothers reading this, congratulations on your new Little One, be sure to take as good of care of yourself as you do for your baby.
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| Amazing how much he's changed in one year, isn't it?! |
Hi I'm visiting over from mama kat's. I so totally agree with you about sleep for new mom's.
ReplyDeleteMy son's 7yr old now but I still remember the days when I would have done anything for a proper shut eye. After going about like a zombie for 3 months I went to visit my parents and stayed there for 4 months. Am so glad I did because Mom made me sleep even when I didn't want to.
Sorry to hear you needed meds for PPD and PPA but glad to know you are getting better. Do take care of yourself.