Motherhood is one of the biggest adventures in a woman’s life. The idea of having a baby is both scary and exciting that a woman finds it hard sometimes to picture herself as a mom. Some women don’t even know they want to have a kid until they have one in their arms and come to enjoy the experience as much as those who had been thinking of having a baby all their lives.
If you already have a child, remember what Mark J. Johnson, PsyD, said: “As a parent, you know raising a child comes with many “challenges.””
To a woman who is at the peak of her career, someone who has some kind of mental disorder herself or somebody in her family, the idea of having a baby is quite stressing.
But psychiatrists say that mentally preparing a woman to the concept of motherhood would be a lot of help in making the journey much more enjoyable, especially when it comes to body changes, the hormones imbalances, challenging sleepless nights, and more issues on pregnancy. Your psychiatrist can also prepare you for what to expect and what to do when the baby arrives.
Get Rid Of The Stress And Anxiety
Being financially stable plays a significant role in getting rid of the stress and anxiety during pregnancy and even after the delivery of the baby.
Be sure to take care of your insurance and check its coverage and the benefits you are entitled to when you give birth. Knowing you have insurance to support you can lessen financial worries.
The psychiatrist advises you to have a good relationship with your significant others. Misunderstanding and lack of support from your partner can be another significant source of your stress and even depression.
Studies reveal that stress could disrupt brain development during pregnancy as the hormones responsible for stress have its toxic effects on the brain. It can also affect your way of thinking and your being productive. Even your effectivity in multi-tasking is hindered by stress.
Anxiety will rob you off of your sleep if you are not able to fight it away. Lack of sleep can make you unhealthy and can weaken your immune system which is very important to support your pregnancy.
Did you know? According to Susan Albers, PsyD, “Most times, the people who pressure you do it out of love — they want you to share their food and the feelings that come with it.”
A psychologist says that once you find yourself swimming in stress and anxiety, why not try to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a warm bath. Taking a walk and breathing fresh air can clear your mind and is even an excellent form of exercise for you and the baby inside you. Enjoying beautiful things and seeing nature can keep you calmer and more at peace.
Be Aware Of Yourself
It’s a natural occurrence for a pregnant woman to undergo many physical changes, changes that most women hate to have – the stretch marks, dark spots on the skin, the ugly curves, and the weight gain.
Instead of focusing on these changes, focus on how excited you are, knowing that your baby is growing healthy inside of you. Look at those stretch marks as blessings of motherhood, for not all women are given a chance to be a mother. Each line is your own story on this journey you can share with your kid in the future.
Jennifer Walton, MA, LPC, LCPC said “Social pressure can be best defined as the influence that society has on an individual.”
Changes in your body are necessary as a preparation for giving birth. Attending prenatal classes, yoga, and childbirth education can help a first-time mother-to-be understand these changes and accept them so that they do not become an added burden for you during pregnancy.
Finding groups of first-time mothers-to-be through your hospitals or ob-gyn and even churches can be helpful mental support. Mommy group buddies can make you understand better your journey, and you can also share your experiences. No one can better understand you but those who are experiencing the same pain and struggles as you and those who had been in your situations before.
Talk To The Baby In Your Belly And Imagine Holding Her In Your Arms
Be excited as you look at the scanned photo of your baby in your belly. Talk to her, read her stories, and sing to the little miracle inside you. She can hear you and can even enjoy your voice.
You will soon care for that tiny voice crying, and see how effortlessly you can soothe her with just the sound of your voice which is already familiar to her.
Visualizing yourself holding your baby will be comfortable while watching videos online. Picturing yourself as a mother holding your baby, calming her, and actually singing her lullabies can ease up the adjustment process from a free-spirit single career woman to a busy mother.
If you think you want to have a baby but do not believe you are mentally prepared for it, let a psychologist help you make this wonderful journey of your life for more info click here.
Take it from a mother like me. Seeing your baby right after your delivery, you can say to yourself, “the emotional roller coaster brought by this journey is all worth it.”