Having a baby can change your entire world. You’ve brought a new life into existence and you are suddenly responsible for ensuring their safety and health. It can feel daunting, but it can also be one of the most fulfilling changes in your life. It is truly something beautiful and miraculous to experience.
That said, not every aspect of being a new mother is glamorous. You will likely experience a lot of not-so-great physical and mental changes. Fortunately, you will probably experience some good changes, too! So, in today’s post, we will look at 5 things to expect as a new mother.
No (Or Very Little) Sleep
If you’ve ever talked to a new mother (or father), you’ve likely noticed that the conversation often turns to sleep. Babies take a while to get on a regular sleep schedule. The vast majority of newborns will not sleep through the night, crying and requiring care at various times. This means that, during the first few months, you will get very little sleep. Naturally, this can lead to other issues, like brain fog and fatigue.
Back Pain
Many pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy. You might think that it will go away once you have the baby, but you have to remember that you will be picking up and carrying your baby a lot. This means that you will almost certainly experience a great deal of lower back pain until your child learns to walk and move around on their own. To learn more about how to deal with back pain as a new mother, be sure to contact the experts at ThriveMD.
Low Energy
While low energy is a natural side effect of getting less sleep, it is also a normal occurrence when you have a young child. Newborns and infants require a lot of attention and can seem like they zap your energy. If you’re feeling this way, don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone. Caring for a young child will take focus and energy away from other aspects of your life, leaving you feeling completely exhausted at the end of the day.
Postpartum Depression
While we don’t want to be overly negative about having children, there are realities that you should prepare for and understand. Postpartum depression is a very real issue for millions of mothers. Fortunately, you can seek care through therapy, relaxation techniques like meditation, and even medication. Just remember that it is completely normal and you should never feel like you need to hide or suppress your feelings.
Less Social Anxiety
Finally, we can offer something positive to expect as a new mother! Many people suffer from social anxiety, but a lot of new mothers find that, once they have a baby, their social anxiety is greatly reduced. You simply don’t have the energy to care about breastfeeding on the subway or cleaning baby vomit off of your clothes at the post office. You will likely adjust to your “new normal” very quickly and become a far less anxious person in the process!
Did you find our guide on 5 things to expect as a new mother useful and informative? If so, be sure to check out some of our other great posts on Sippy Cup Mom today!
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