Beating the baby blues

You are probably aware that having a baby is going to change your life, and may I add, for the better! However, along with this change comes a multitude of emotions and it is good to have a support network around you to help you get through those early weeks as a new mother.

The Chagga women of Uganda are welcomed back into the village with their new child amid great celebrations and accompanied by songs, a ceremony that is aimed at honouring them as new mothers. As a culture here in Britain, we have woefully ignored the needs of new mothers and often leave them feeling inadequate and isolated. This does not have to be, so long as we recognise the importance of a support network helping women, by providing much needed practical and emotional assistance.

This is why I work as I do, a Midwife dedicated to giving intense support for Motherhood. As a Private Midwife, I work with a woman for many months before and during my ante-natal visits I see her confidence building as she trusts in her body’s ability to give birth to her baby. However, there is often an inability for the woman to contemplate life with her baby in those early days we call the “post natal period” as they cannot look beyond the birth itself.

It may be helpful to consider a few simple measures to help make transition into Motherhood smoother

1. Being loved and cherished at this time is key and if you find yourself isolated from family and friends then why not organise post natal support via a Private Midwife?
2. New Mothers are physically and emotionally vulnerable and will benefit from having a “Baby Moon”. This means staying with your baby snuggled together not getting dressed and rushing around instead concentrating on spending time feeding and being fed yourself. Why not request extra pampering in the form of having a massage!
3. Rest, rest and more rest to regain strength is a vital part of re adjusting to being a new mother and allows you the strength to care for your baby.
4. New mums need help with house hold chores and child care for older children, again, if this is difficult to summon up from your friends and family then it can be provided by a maternity support worker.
5. Remember that you are amazing and your baby loves you! Do not be over whelmed by all the advice that you are given, often conflicting! Try tuning into your own intuition and what feels right for you; no one is an expert at being your baby’s mother other than you!