After Pregnancy
The glow of a pregnant woman brings joy to both men and women. But that glow can quickly fade after the baby is born if the new mother does not take care of her physical and emotional needs.
A baby can bring great joy but it also brings a change in lifestyle.
Many mothers are not prepared in their mind for the night time feedings and loss of sleep which can make one cranky and listless. If one has the help of a relative that's great. Let them take on some of the night hours. If it is affordable, hire someone for two weeks to help out and give the mom a break. Especially if their are older children involved.
The mom needs rest to keep her going just as much as the baby.
There is also nothing wrong with mom telling friends and relatives she is tired. Maybe one will volunteer to take the older children for a day or two. Whatever your situation make sure you take the time to close the curtains, turn off your phone and for a few hours bond with your new child by snuggling together and when sleepy, both taking a nap. If you do not have older children running around that you have to care for, make sure you sleep when the baby sleeps. Do not let others sway you to do otherwise. This one thing will keep your outlook cheerful as some mothers can sink into a listless state and even start resenting the baby and her husband. There is nothing wrong with you if you do! Lack of sleep can do that to a person. Hopefully all husbands are now helping instead of sitting and expecting everything to be as before. It is not.
Let him get his own meal. There is plenty of takeout. If house is messy, hand him the vacuum. Let him take over with the older kids. Above all, the mom must be reassured she still matters. Emotions can also play havoc at this time.
Make sure you take some personal time too if you can. Try not to let the what if's or buts stop you from eating well, getting back to exercise and especially taking care of the outside you. A manicure/pedicure, a new haircut is a small personal gesture you can show yourself! In Tarot the Death card represents our transition from one life to another. We can even mourn our past existence till we settle into our new one. No worries here. This is natural and normal.
Young girls and women who have chosen to be single mothers should be honored as any other mother. Taking care of a baby is hard enough without having to go to school or a job. Hopefully they will have family or friends or boyfriend to help them out as studies have shown with this double pressure resentment can set in quickly here as well and the mom will wonder why she feels this way, that it is not natural. But it is.
All mothers need rest and reassurance after pregnancy. Otherwise lethargy can set in. With some, this is a medical issue and needs treatment. With others, it is tiredness. If anyone is concerned and feelings of resentment, etc. do not dissipate in a reasonable amount of time, a medical person should be consulted.
All mothers, from the earliest on, should be applauded for bringing life into this world. And if you are a friend or relative of such a wonder rejoice, celebrate and support your gifts!
