How to Adjust to First-Time Motherhood

Your mother, your best friend and strangers at the grocery store all gave you plenty of parenting advice when you were sporting a pregnant belly. But you've probably found that all the wisdom in the world could not have prepared you for the reality of motherhood. Having a new baby is among life's most wonderful and overwhelming experiences. Be patient with yourself and remember that every first-time mother goes through a period of adjustment.

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your hormones a chance to settle. Up to 85 percent of women go through a period of irritability, sadness, anxiety and moodiness in the weeks following delivery, according to Arizona State University. The "baby blues" are the result of hormone fluxes, combined with sleep deprivation and the physical strain of pregnancy and labor. Accept that you won't feel like yourself for at least two weeks after your little one arrives.

    • 2

      Talk to your partner. The birth of a baby signals a major transition in your relationship. It's common for first-time mothers to be so consumed with the new baby that other relationships are neglected. Your feelings are probably complicated. You may feel that your partner's life has barely changed while yours is turned on end. You may be so in love with your little one that you have a hard time investing emotions in your marriage. Whatever your feelings, it's important to be honest. Give your partner a chance to talk, too. You may be surprised at how much his life has changed as well.

    • 3

      Take care of yourself. With the endless needs of a new baby, simple tasks like taking a shower and cooking a meal may feel impossible. Eating well, exercise and sleep are all essential to your physical and emotional well-being. Once your baby is fed and changed, put him down in his crib so you can do a little yoga or whip up a salad.

    • 4

      Read but don't obsess. The local library or bookstore probably has dozens of parenting books all calling your name -- not to mention endless articles on the Internet. While advice from experts can be helpful, it can also make you a little crazy. Remember that your child is completely unique. Implement parenting techniques that work for your family, but don't feel like you have to do it all.

    • 5

      Keep some perspective. One of the greatest challenges of first-time motherhood is the feeling that the difficulties will last forever. When sleepless nights seem interminable, remember that your baby won't be little for very long. In a month, he'll be a completely different child, and in a year he'll be talking and walking.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Food Programs for Kids During the Summer
      Many families who qualify for free and reduced school lunches struggle to feed their kids over the summer when school isnt in session. For example, in 2011, more than 21 million kids qualified during the school year, but with the lack of summertime p
    • What Are the Most Dangerous Times of the Day for Children?
      Many children are left to their own devices after school and thats why this time of day can be so dangerous for them, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Keeping children busy after school is critical to making their afternoon hours safer an
    • Should Students Be Allowed to Watch TV on School Nights?
      Television is as much a part of everyday life as peanut butter and texting. According to a USA Today poll, 5 million homes no longer have access to traditional TV stations, including cable services. But that still leaves many families with the invasi