A woman expecting her first child usually has a lot of anxiety about it. How to overcome anxiety?
Pregnancy is a beautiful and difficult time. A woman is often very happy, but at the same time is full of anxiety about how her life will change. She wonders whether she will be able to raise the child, whether she will be able to care for it and nurture it. This is natural, especially before the birth of the first child, when the future mother is completely unaware of what awaits her.
There are many different maternity manuals available on the market. A mum-to-be should read them in order to know, for example, how to cope with colic, diaper rash and many other problems which may appear after the birth of her child.
In the guides you will find not only the necessary knowledge, but also many words of support. In bookstores there are also publications in which advice is mixed with a touch of humour, e.g. “A truck for 9 months”, where a mum-to-be tells in a quite explicit and at the same time very funny way how her body is changing and how she is preparing for the birth of a child.
In films or advertisements, motherhood is often presented in a sweet and colourful way, but not necessarily in a realistic way. That is why the best method is to talk frankly with another mother. Ask her what the beginnings after giving birth were like, what to expect, what was the biggest surprise and the greatest difficulty.
A woman should not hide her fears. It is worth talking about them with people close to her – her partner, parents, siblings or friends. Sometimes the so-called “talking through” a problem makes it not as serious as it seemed at first.
Besides, talking about fears will allow others to check the mental state of the future mother before and after the birth of the child. Postpartum depression is very common, and new mothers are ashamed to admit it, although they often need professional help.
If the fear of maternity is so strong that it even makes everyday life difficult, it is worth seeking help from a specialist. Pregnancy should be a joyful time, and while anxiety is natural, obsessive fear is not. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit a psychologist, who will check whether anything disturbing is happening, which would require possible treatment.
Mental problems are still a taboo subject in our country – and this is a mistake. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes just talking to a specialist is enough to feel better. So it is worth taking advantage of such help. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting time for free visits and if you want a good specialist and a quick visit, you often have to pay for it.
There are birthing schools in every city, including free ones. In such institutions pregnant women can count on professional help and care. They organize exercises that not only help get rid of certain ailments, such as back pain, but also those that prepare for childbirth (on breathing techniques)
Expectant mothers and their partners also have the opportunity to take advantage of exercises and lectures on child care, etc. In birthing schools there are also meetings with pediatricians, lactation consultants, and even a psychologist. The offer of these institutions is really rich.
Midwives who work there always offer support and advice. They suggest how to prepare the layette, how to choose a community midwife and generally how to prepare for motherhood, so that these first days with a new member of the family were special.
Main photo: Jonathan Borba, source: unsplash.com
