You have waited a long 40 weeks for the day your precious little one is placed in your arms. Now that the day is finally here, something unexpected has arrived too… the constant worrying about your baby.
It is so easy to spiral out of control with the anxious thoughts. Are infants supposed to cry this much? Are they supposed to spit up this much? Are they even getting enough to eat?
I could go on and on about all the worries I had with my son! However, if your gut is telling you something is really wrong, never feel like you can’t call your child’s pediatrician. They are used to getting many questions a day! They are there to help guide you and your baby.
Worries That Come After the Baby Arrives
Is my baby meeting their milestones?
Never compare your baby to someone else’s baby. Especially on whether or not they are reaching their milestones. They are just supposed to be treated as a general “guideline”. If there are real concerns that come up, your pediatrician will help you overcome those obstacles.
It’s important to note, that even when concerns do pop up with your baby there is no need to panic. You can and you will get through anything that life throws at you and your little one. There are so many resources out there to help you!
Am I contacting the pediatrician too much?
Some parents get super lucky and have babies who hardly spit up at all, sleep great, and are as happy as a clam. Whereas others will be ticking time bombs, just waiting to explode. No matter what concerns you have regarding your child, never feel like you cannot give the pediatrician a call. They are there to help you navigate those messy parts!
Should my baby be on a schedule?
The first few weeks (and months) are going to be a complete whirlwind. Don’t focus on getting the baby on a set schedule yet. With a newborn, you honestly will just be in survival mode. Focus on keeping your baby fed, clean, and happy. The rest will fall into place. There’s going to be plenty of time in the future to create a daily routine for your little one.
Why am I not losing the baby weight?
Every mother’s body is built differently, therefore every mother will lose the baby weight differently. Allow your body to heal after giving birth and remember it took 40 weeks to get to the point you are at now. So you can’t just expect your body to immediately bounce back to what it was before you were pregnant. Instead, treat yourself with compassion and try to be thankful that your body allowed you to bring a beautiful baby into this world.
Am I doing the right things?
You can definitely read as many parenting books or blogs as you want, but in the end the only one who will know what is truly right for your child is you. You’re going to know your baby better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and do your best!
It’s important to note that every parent has a different parenting style and different opinions on how to do things. Try not to focus so much on what other people are telling you (because trust me- you’re going to get so much unsolicited advice from so many different people) and instead go with what YOU feel is right.
After going over some of the big worries that a lot of first time moms have once their baby is born, I think it’s important to mention some worries that come before the baby has even arrived…
Worries that come before the baby arrives
What should the nursery’s theme be?
I’m putting this as the first thing to not worry about before your baby comes, because it seems to be a very common issue for first time parents. I know it was a big deal for me! It is actually kind of embarrassing how much I obsessed over my son’s nursery. I promise you, absolutely no one cares about your child’s nursery theme other than you. You will need the necessities of course, like a crib, diaper changing area, and a place to store their clothes. However, you absolutely don’t need to overthink the color of the walls or whether or not the crib sheets match the changing pad cover.
What will childbirth be like?
It’s completely understandable to be anxious about childbirth, especially if it’s your first time. However, it doesn’t need to be something that you dread or are terrified of. Remember, it’s the day you get to meet that perfect baby your body worked so hard to bring into this world. Women give birth to healthy children every day, and have been doing so for centuries. Your body will know what to do when it comes time.
If you find yourself struggling with the idea of giving birth, seeking professional mental therapy may be a fantastic option.
Is my home clean enough?
Although no one would complain about having a sparkling clean home, it’s not something you need to fuss over. When your baby arrives there will not be much time to clean the home either. So I guarantee you, a spotless home wouldn’t last long anyways.
Do I have enough baby clothes?
Shopping for baby clothes is one of the best things you can shop for. I totally get it! But you don’t need to have a closet overflowing with baby outfits.
Rummage sales and hand me downs can be your best friend! Most of your baby’s clothes will get pesky stains on them anyways. Not to mention, babies grow so FAST. They may only be able to wear an outfit once! Might as well get them for cheap right?
I hope this post helped ease some of your concerns with becoming a first time parent. Try not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy those newborn snuggles! You got this!
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