New Mother Stress Syndrome

First time mothers can become very stressed.  An infant is very demanding on time and attention.  There ae several reasons why new mothers are very stressed, and I speak from experience.  Your infant has no way of communicating with you what they want or what is wrong besides crying.  It is up to the mother to figure out what they want or what is wrong.  Which can range from a dirty diaper, too cold or too hot, hungry, wants to be held, or just simply wants to cry.  Everyone says that when your baby is sleeping, you should be trying to catch up on some sleep too but in reality, that is not possible.  There are too many other things to do.  For instance: I can catch up on laundry, straighten up the house, do some homework, take a shower, or just simply relax. 

Having a baby literally flips your whole world upside down.  I went from watching tv in my spare time, to watching my baby all of the time.  There is no more 'me time'.  I am fine with that because when my daughter smiles at me, my world could not be any better.  It is very hard to be needed and depended on so much.  My baby cannot change her diaper, feed herself, put the pacifier in her mouth, or even change her clothes.  Everything she needs, I have to do for her. 

There are several ways to cope with the stress.  Having a good support system at home is key.  My husband will watch our daughter so I can get a few hours of sleep.  He helps out around the house and is very attentive to my needs as well.  He gets up in the middle of the night with us to help me get anything and everything I need to help get her back to sleep.  There are other ways to cope with stress.  Some mothers join a 'Mother's Day Out' program, some take up a hobby, others go for walks, etc.  Also, it is very helpful to have friends and family offer to cook and clean for you.  However, do not expect this from everyone.  Some people just simply do not understand how difficult having a newborn is and will not offer a helping hand.  The ones that do offer to help, definitely take them up on their offer. 

Some mothers will unfortunately experience postpartum depression.  There are several reasons mothers will develop postpartum depression and they are:  Changes in your body from pregnancy and delivery, changes in work and social relationships, having less time and freedom for yourself, lack of sleep,  and worries about your ability as a mother.  The best way to deal with all of these scattered emotions is to discuss them with your partner.  If that does not help, one should contact their physician and discuss alternative treatment.  There is no sense in suffering if there is help out there.  After a solution has been found, enjoy your little one because time flies and soon enough they will be married having children of their own.