First Year of Motherhood
The first year of motherhood is full of joy, challenges, and growth. Here are some things to expect and tips for navigating this exciting time:
Newborn phase: The first few months of motherhood are often the most challenging. You and your baby both are getting to know each other, your baby will need to eat every few hours and will sleep for only short durations in the beginning, which will lead you to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Try to rest when your baby is sleeping, and don't forget to take care of yourself. Load up on all your vitamins as recommended by your OB/GYN or Pediatrician. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
Bonding with your baby: Bonding with your baby is essential, and it can take time. Skin-to-skin contact, talking, and cuddling can help strengthen the bond between you and your baby. In the first few weeks, your baby will start recognizing your voice and will want you and your warm hugs. They will only feel safe around you.
Feeding your baby: Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, feeding your baby is an essential part of motherhood. Initially, your baby will have to be fed every 60-90 mins ( for more details read our article on Baby Feeding Littles). Seek support from lactation consultants or your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns.
Developmental milestones: Your baby will be growing and learning every day. Your first year will have a lot of different developmental milestones, they will start recognizing people around them, such as sitting up, they will grab everything in their arms’ reach, you will start feeding them solid foods, and they will crawl and talk. Celebrate each milestone and don't compare your baby's progress with other babies.
Self-care: Yes, we love our baby more than life itself, But taking care of yourself is also crucial during the first year of motherhood. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and find ways to relax and unwind.
Social support: Connecting with other new moms can be helpful for sharing experiences, offering support, and combating isolation. Look for mom groups, classes, or playgroups in your area. Sign up for our mentorship program to connect with other moms and get tips on how they navigated similar situations.
Embrace the ups and downs: Motherhood can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's essential to embrace the ups and downs. You will have your good days and bad days, don’t let the bad days make you spiral into depression. Make sure you express yourself and have a support system in place be it your partner, your family, friends, a therapist, whatever works for you. Cherish all the moments. Take photos, write in a journal, cherish the moments, even the challenging ones and create memories.
