Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions. Here are five classic parent guilt thoughts and how you can overcome them.
No initial bond with baby
It can take weeks—or months—to feel an attachment with your newborn. Try not to feel guilty or anxious. It will happen naturally over time. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact with your baby and baby massage. Singing and gently rocking your newborn can help too.
Quilt feeling for not to breastfeed
You may experience so much guilt when it comes to stopping breastfeeding, or feeling like a failure if you cannot breastfeed your baby. Consult the lactation specialist to seek help on breastfeeding. If you need to partially supplement the milk feed, or decide to cease breastfeeding for medical reasons, do not feel guilty. With consultation of your doctor, you can make the right decision to continue to provide the most appropriate feeding.
Working mom guilt
Juggling your work and home life is tough for every new mom, so it’s common to feel guilty. When looking at daycare options, trust your mom intuition and choose the right one for both you and your baby. Share all household chores with your partner or ask for help from family and friends. That way, when you do get home, you can enjoy cuddles and bath time rather than running around trying to be superwoman. Read our tips on going back to work after having baby to help you get the balance right.
Self-care for new moms
We’ll let you in on a secret: it’s OK if you’re thinking “I need a break from being a mom!” Take some time for yourself. You’re not being selfish if you sometimes choose yourself over your baby. Exercise, spend time with friends and set aside some time for just you and your partner. If you’re feeling rested and less stressed, that makes for a happier, more energized you. You’ll be raring to go!
The perfect mom myth
Let’s get this straight: there’s no such thing as the perfect mom. Sure, you’ll make plans while pregnant, and daydream about what having a baby and being a new mom will be like. But the reality is you can’t prepare. Every new mom struggles so don’t feel guilty about not living up to your own expectations. Let go of the Insta-perfect family lie and you’ll feel a whole lot better. Promise.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding (Accessed July 2020)
Related articles
Acceptance and Refusal – 12 to 24 Months
When feeding your baby, understanding how much food he/she needs can be tricky.
2 mins to read
Understanding The Power Of Proteins
Proteins are often known as the “Bricks of Life”.
3 mins to read
The importance of responsive feeding for lifelong health
Did you know? Both pressuring your baby to eat more, or restricting how much she eats, can interfere with her growth.
3 mins to read
Baby Self Feeding – What to Expect?
Gone are the days of spoon-feeding him purées, it’s time to roll out the wipeable mat for your independent eater! Let your toddler lead the way on his adventures in food.
6 mins to read
Baby constipation - symptoms, causes and treatment
Constipation doesn’t only happen to grown-ups; babies and children get it as well.
2 mins to read
Baby Teething Tips
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
2 mins to read
Playful Learning – The unseen benefits
Did you know? Imaginary play and ‘talking time’ are essential to your baby’s healthy development.
2 mins to read
How to Increase Baby Immunity with Child-Friendly Foods
Nothing is more painful than seeing your child fall prey to infectious diseases easily.
4 mins to read
Babies And Their Grandparents - The Beginning Of A Beautiful Love Story
Grandparents love looking after their grandchildren and can be a great help to you as long as they can retain their freedom! Make the most of this special relationship.
3 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
2 mins to read
Healthy Baby Snacks On The Go – Get Inspired!
When your baby is hungry in between meals, think about nutrition and balance as you do with main meals. Avoid high-sugar, low-nutrient snacks.
1 min to read
Baby Milestones – 12 to 24 Months
A few key milestones in your child’s development.
1 min to read
Developing Healthy Digestive System By Including Probiotics In Your Child's Diet
There are billions of bacteria living in our digestive system.
3 mins to read
How to tell if your baby is full? Nine faces of feeding
It may seem like a whole new world now that your little one is starting to eat solid foods.
4 mins to read
Finding the right nutritional balance for your toddler
Latest research reveals that foods high in salt and sugar may be taking up too much space in toddlers’ tummies, leaving little room for foods that are high in essential nutrients.
3 mins to read
Baby Poo
Your baby's stools let you know how their digestive system is performing. Telling the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" can be difficult at first, but don't despair.
7 mins to read
10 tips for a sound baby sleep routine
Baby sleep routines can vary enormously, often causing poor parents many sleepless nights. Here are some bedtime routine tips to help your baby sleep through the night.
1 min to read
Baby Sleep Development - Benefits
As well as recharging your baby’s batteries for tomorrow’s playtime, sleep can help his brain, body, and even vocabulary develop.
5 mins to read
Baby Blues
You are not alone. Almost two thirds of mothers feel down after childbirth.
4 mins to read
