Getting out of the house can be a mission early on but it can give a much needed sense of purpose and achievement."
Putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves isn’t good for us – or our babies
In our quest to be the perfect mum, it’s common to put pressure on ourselves just as we did at work. We push hard to meet deadlines such as nap times, sleep quotas, baby’s milestones, household chores and so on. I’d sometimes find my shoulders so tense, I’d be completely wired and realised that I was missing the best bits of being at home with my baby.
Feeling overwhelmed post-baby?
As my husband put his suit on to head back to work after his paternity leave finished, I started to feel panic rising up within me. When he slammed the door, I burst into tears! How unfair it seemed that he got to go out to work all day while I had a day of never ending baby related tasks stretching before me.
Those early days of constant breastfeeding, taking pics of my newborn and clock watching as the afternoon dragged on have been some of the hardest for me. I was loving being a mum but couldn’t get my head around how I was going to be spending the coming months, especially when I made comparisons with the old me. I was so productive, confident and secure in my career, why was it that looking after one little baby had thrown me into complete disorder?
It took me a while to find my feet and settle into my new role and perceived loss of freedom. One of the things that helped me was to set myself a target for the day, this could be as simple as getting out to the shop to buy milk! Fresh air and a change of scenery always worked wonders.
Early Days
Goodbye office,
hello home
In the second part of her article Suzanne Newman, from Red Ballon Mums discusses how to overcome the wobbles of starting your maternity leave
Practical tips for overcoming
transition wobbles
- Build a local support group
- Get out of the house, give yourself purpose and get some fresh air
- Don’t overcommit
- Take care not to set unrealistic expectations
- Tackle your fears head on
- Go at your own pace
- If you’re offered help, don’t be afraid to accept it
- Embrace parenthood, keep an open mind and savour the moment
Attending local playgroups, baby classes or NCT post-natal teas can give you an instant support network of people who are in exactly the same situation as you at the same time. Getting out of the house can be a mission early on but it can give a much needed sense of purpose and achievement.
It can be difficult to retain our individual identity. Finding time out for ourselves is essential but can be tricky. Call on your partner, close family or friends to support you and if people offer help, don’t be afraid to take them up on it.