115 | Grief, anxiety and other Normal Feelings You Don’t Expect to have in Postpartum

New Mom Naturopath: postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, newborn milestones, breastfeeding tips, extreme fatigue

115 | 3 Normal Feelings You Don’t Expect in Postpartum

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we delve into what it truly means to set realistic expectations for new motherhood. We explore the common emotional challenges many new mothers face, including the lack of immediate connection with the baby, feelings of boredom, and mourning the loss of their previous lifestyle. Join us as we offer understanding, support, and actionable strategies to help new moms navigate these feelings effectively.

Show Notes:

Introduction:

• Welcome to a candid discussion on the often unspoken realities of new motherhood.

• Importance of addressing and managing expectations to help reduce overwhelming feelings and anxiety.

Segment 1: The Unspoken Reality of Motherhood

• Discuss the disparity between societal portrayals of motherhood and the real, often challenging experiences.

• Emotional Insight: Tackling the feelings of shock, isolation, and inadequacy that many new mothers feel.

• Action Steps: Encouraging open discussions about these feelings to normalize and validate the experiences.

Segment 2: Delayed Attachment

• Exploring why some mothers do not feel an instant bond with their baby.

• Factors affecting bonding: Hormonal imbalances, traumatic birth experiences, and societal pressure.

• Practical Bonding Activities: Suggestions for skin-to-skin contact, interactive talks, and routine caregiving to foster connection.

Segment 3: Boredom in Early Parenthood

• Addressing the monotony and boredom that can accompany early days of parenting.

• Coping Mechanisms: Setting small personal goals, engaging in hobbies, and finding social interaction through online groups.

• Importance of addressing boredom for preventing resentment and burnout.

Segment 4: Mourning Your Former Life

• Discussing the grief associated with losing one's pre-parent identity.

• Processing Grief: Allowing space and time to grieve this significant life transition.

• Reintegration Tips: Incorporating aspects of the old self into the new routine and redefining personal and professional goals.

Segment 5: Practical Steps to Set Realistic Expectations

• The importance of educating oneself on the realities of postpartum life.

• Setting Achievable Goals: Creating realistic daily or weekly objectives.

• Building a Support Network: Forming connections that offer both practical and emotional support.

• Routine Self-Care: Establishing simple self-care practices that fit into a new lifestyle.

Conclusion:

• Recap of the main points discussed, emphasizing the normalcy of these feelings and the importance of setting realistic expectations.

• Encouragement for mothers to allow themselves grace and patience.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe for more insights: Stay connected with us for more valuable discussions on navigating motherhood.
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Coaching with me:

Feeling like this podcast series was just enough to get you above water? Still feeling overwhelmed. Like there is too much to do. You are losing patience with your baby. FInding it hard to enjoy this time without a little one. Perhaps you feel you have lost touch with who you were pre-pregnancy with? I can help you manage the stress of becoming a mom. That is what my coaching program is all about: Finding who you are again in the chaos of postpartum. Hurry up prices are going up soon!

Click here to schedule a 30-minute call with me!

How to Connect with me:

Here is the link to the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/newmomnaturopath

Link to coaching call: Click here to schedule a 30-minute call with me!

Link to my instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/drkailyngalloway/

My resources Page: New Mom Naturopath Resource Page