Emotions of new mommy-hood

I know its normal, but I am so emotional. I cry at least once a day, mostly out of just pure love and amazement for the little one, but I have moments of melancholy too.

I'm finding it hard to just take it day for day. Jake is an amazing baby in the sense that he sleeps and eats incredibly well, making life around here *almost easy*. My mom has been here, but next week she returns to work p/t, and I fear the isolation of being at home. I just wasn't' prepared to for the lonely factor, and it is really bothering me. I guess I never really never thought about how it would affect me from working f/t to being home with baby.

And, like I said above, I fear the unknown...like my content little baby is going to change on me, just as we're getting accustomed to one another.

Any suggestions on what I can do to avoid the baby blues and let go of the control factor?

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Everything you are saying is normal.

I read "A girlfriends guide to the 1st year of motherhood" and it definately helped me

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

we've all been there, and the first great thing is that you acknowledge that youre feeling this way, and already taking steps to prevent feeling worse/more lonely, etc.

Not sure how little your baby is, but fresh air is always a big refresher for anyone. it's too cold to go for a walk now, but maybe even just going for a short drive every other day, to the supermarket, to a friends house, just to get out of the house a little bit.

also, try to keep some sort of a routine (take a shower first thing, get dressed (get out of your pjs) not saying you have to be dressed up or anything.

talk to friends/family on the phone, even if you cant get out, you'll "have company" somehow.

invite friends or family over to visit.

once you get comf going out, start taking the baby to library baby groups, playgrounds in the spring.

hugs

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

I am with you on this. DD is just about 2 mths old and it feels very overwhelming from all angles. I know in the spring things will be better.

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

I felt the same way! It's easy to s ay it's "normal" but I still felt abnormal b/c there I was with this amazing baby feeling kind of lonely and sad. All I can tell you is that it will pass and just keep thinking about how lucky you are to have family around you!!! It's defintely an adjustment that will come with time!!!

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Like the others posted, what you are feeling is completely normal, my DS is turning 3 months next week and what I can tell you is treasure every moment because the 3 months flew by. We all learn as we go and you will do great! It does get lonely at times, but once you start getting outside, it makes a world of difference! I think what makes it even harder is this cold weather, but before you know it the spring will be here and we will all be out doors with our little ones enjoying the beautiful weather. Enjoy your little one, it gets a lot better once you get into a little bit of a routine

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Go outside for some fresh air each day. My one piece of advice try to shower and dress early. It will make you feel so much better all day long.
Enjoy the moments and don't overthink - take each day as it comes

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

What you are feeling it totally normal. My DS is 5 weeks and for the first two weeks I would cry for no reason. The first day we took him home from the hospital I started to cry because I felt that I loved him too much...haha. The hormones will do it to you. It will get easier. You will learn to know eachother and you will start to get on a schedule with him. Enjoy every second with your little man!!!!

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

The first few weeks can be so overwhelming. You feel unbelievable highs and sometimes unbelievable lows. I can remember crying my head off because my DH didnt set up the pack n play quickly enough.

For me, taking a shower or a bath was a godsend. If I didnt get to take a shower until later in the day, I just felt gross and lethargic. It really made a difference to me if I got showered and dressed early.

I think little outings are really important too. I remember the first winter I had DD (she was around 8 months old at the time) I would venture out to Ikea of all places. I would walk with her in the stroller, get a cup of tea or something in the cafe, maybe buy a bowl or something in the market - and it was a nice little outing for us - and Ikea has a lovely baby changing/nursing room with free diapers!.

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Fresh air does wonders, both for baby and you. Even if it's sort of cold, you can still take your baby out for a walk, just bundle him up and use a windshield if you have one for your stroller. Last winter when DS was a newborn, we went for a walk almost every day.

Don't pile on too many things that you want to do during the day--chances are many won't get done, and you'll feel better if you lower expectations for yourself. Let the house get messy for a bit, don't expect to get dinner on the table every day. Some days, I felt like it was a big deal to take a shower and unload the dishwasher.

Try to see other adults now and then too, other new parents, friends, whoever you can.

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

I totally understand the way you are feeling. With all of the things you feel you can prepare for, the isolation of maternity leave is something nobody ever told me about. I was out and about everyday up until the day I delivered. Then BAM, you sti home alone with a newborn all day. And, like you, my DS was fairly easy. He slept most of the day and really only cried for a bottle or diaper. So, TV became so annoying after a while. And, talking on the phone with my friends was hard b/c I felt like life was going on without me being part of it. BUT, the good thing is that is all gets SO much better. You are recognizing the way you are feeling...which is step #1. Let those around you that you love and care about know also. They will help you get through the difficult days/moments.

For me, the BEST medicine was getting out of the house. But, for the first 2 weeks I was afraid to put DS in the car and drive with him. DH ended up giving me a task (return a movie) and once I got up the nerve to put DS in the car I hit the ground running. I went to Target and felt 100 times better almost immediately. Don't get mre wrong, I still had my moments of crying/sadness/frustration....I still do. But, with time everythin gets better. Then before you know it you start to get comfortable being home and then it's time to go back to work (if you are going back).

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Posted by Bubbs

I totally understand the way you are feeling. With all of the things you feel you can prepare for, the isolation of maternity leave is something nobody ever told me about. I was out and about everyday up until the day I delivered. Then BAM, you sti home alone with a newborn all day. And, like you, my DS was fairly easy. He slept most of the day and really only cried for a bottle or diaper. So, TV became so annoying after a while. And, talking on the phone with my friends was hard b/c I felt like life was going on without me being part of it. BUT, the good thing is that is all gets SO much better. You are recognizing the way you are feeling...which is step #1. Let those around you that you love and care about know also. They will help you get through the difficult days/moments.

For me, the BEST medicine was getting out of the house. But, for the first 2 weeks I was afraid to put DS in the car and drive with him. DH ended up giving me a task (return a movie) and once I got up the nerve to put DS in the car I hit the ground running. I went to Target and felt 100 times better almost immediately. Don't get mre wrong, I still had my moments of crying/sadness/frustration....I still do. But, with time everythin gets better. Then before you know it you start to get comfortable being home and then it's time to go back to work (if you are going back).

Re: Emotions of new mommy-hood

Oh darling! What you're going through is perfectly normal. Try to get into a routine, get up in the morning, try to take a shower and get dressed, get your make-up on and just enjoy your time with your baby...SLEEP while he is sleeping! If the loneliness is getting to you, try to get your family or friends to stop by and hang out with you for a little while. Have a glass of wine (if you're not nursing) with your husband and just laugh. Every little bit of laughter helps! Everything will become a routine and part of your life.

ETA: And of course if its not too cold, get out of the house, or drive somewhere.

Message edited 1/30/2009 2:17:35 PM.