Motherhood
Why Support Systems Are Important For New Moms
As a new mom, there will be moments where you’ll be exhausted, hungry, frustrated.
You’ll sometimes feel sad, alone, insecure, and angry. Whatever feelings you have — it’s completely normal. Having a baby is a life-changing event, and it takes time to adjust.
With that said, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a support system to help you manage this major life change, not to mention the stress and exhaustion that accompany caring for a newborn.
In a study on Social Support during the Postpartum Period, Negron, Martin, Almog, Balbierz, Howell (2013) report that social support is an essential component for the physical and emotional well-being of mothers following childbirth. It’s important for a new mom to feel secure, taken care of, and understood. Having people around her who understand and who are willing to make themselves available to help may even make the transition into motherhood go more smoothly.
I’ve learned from personal experience that one of the most important things that a mom can do is identify her support system. These are the people who you can confide in — who will actively listen without judgment. You can cry your ugliest cry, and even smell a little funky, and they will be there to give you a good laugh and force you to shower while they look after the baby. These are the people who will make sure that you have what you need even when you didn’t realize you need it. Whether it’s your spouse, siblings, in-laws, parents, or best friends, having cheerleaders and supporters in your life can make the difference between misery and peace of mind.
The reality is this: all new moms need support, even the ones who’ve given birth one, two, or three times. Allowing others to help you is part of caring for yourself, and the added bonus is that you will never feel completely alone. As your newborn grows, you will start to develop a routine that works for you, and it will get easier.
All this being said, if you have feelings of anxiety, sadness, feeling disconnected from baby, low mood, or feeling like your family would be better off without you that lasts longer than two weeks, you should contact your doctor. These are the hallmark signs of postpartum depression, and it’s very important to take them seriously.
