Becoming a mother for the first time is a joyous, wonderful experience. However, as every experienced mom can attest, raising a child is extremely taxing in a myriad of ways. Indeed, from paying the bills, to educating your little one, to keeping them safe day in and day out, new moms have to manage every aspect of their child’s life and overcome major challenges constantly. Given that fact, it’s no surprise that moms may often feel isolated, underappreciated, stressed-out, or just plain overwhelmed. The good news is, you can get help if you need it. Here are four ways new moms can catch a break and find support from trusted resources around them:
Family & Friends
The construct of the nuclear family places an inordinate amount of pressure on parents. In other cultures, though, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors all play roles in looking after a child. There’s no shame in calling on a family member or a good friend to babysit your kid for a while so you can take a mental break.
Nanny/Daycare Services
Some moms are understandably reticent about hiring a nanny or utilizing a daycare service for their infant or toddler. After all, new moms want to spend as much time as possible with their child, and entrusting their offspring’s well-being to relative strangers can be a frightening concept. Yet, finding the right daycare service can significantly ease the burden placed on mothers, and allow them to focus on their career after pregnancy and maternal leave. Don’t discount this option if you have the means to pursue it!
Government Programs
Some new moms face a nightmarish scenario of not having the ability to pay for basic services for their children. As scary as it can be to find yourself unemployed or to need extra cash to pay the bills, all mothers should be aware of certain government programs designed specifically to help moms in trouble. From job assistance, to securing housing, to supplying your child with a nutritious diet, these programs can get you out of a jam and allow you to weather a difficult period.
Professional Advice
Moms are some of the most knowledgeable people on the planet, but even supermoms could use a bit of professional guidance from time to time. As such, new mothers should take the time to talk to professionals in the medical, education, and financial fields. It doesn’t hurt to visit a medical facility to discuss a wide range of healthcare topics from STD testing for women to breastfeeding advice, for instance. Remember, asking for assistance doesn’t make you a bad parent –– on the contrary –– it could help you make a great decision for you and your family!