To become a good mother to a newborn, you need unconditional love, protectiveness and attentiveness to your baby's needs. Some new mothers love their baby quite naturally, but others can experience postpartum depression and might need some help from their family doctor or a family counselor to help them respond to this new and exciting challenge.
Considerations
The arrival of a newborn is a huge shift in your life. If you are used to having everything organized and under control, motherhood might surprise to you with its unpredictability and the fact that you really can't control your baby. Your baby probably will control you to a certain extent.
Misconceptions
As a new mother, you must decide whether to go back to work and who will care for your baby if you work. You must decide whether to nurse or bottle-feed. You need to be prepared for sleepless nights and an unpredictable schedule. British anthropologist Sheila Kitzinger, author of "Rediscovering Birth," believes that the media distorts the image of motherhood, showing mostly happy mothers rocking and breastfeeding their contented babies.
Taking Care of Yourself
According to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, it is important to take care of yourself after you have given birth so that you will be strong and healthy enough to take care of your baby. Get plenty of rest, especially when the baby rests, and eat well. If you are nursing, you need extra calories and should follow the food pyramid recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Identification
One issue that haunts new mothers is hearing their baby cry. Some doctors say you should let a newborn cry; others say you should not. Try to learn to interpret the different kinds of crying. According to the Mayo Clinic website, there are 12 different crying sounds: I am hungry, I need to burp, I'm wet, I'm tired, I'd rather be bundled, I want to move, I'm lonely, I'm hot, I want to suck on something, I've had enough, It's just that time of day, and I have a tummy ache.
Expert Insight
To be a good mother to a newborn is a learning experience, and a wise mother can just let go of preconceived notions and "go with the flow." Don't worry about meeting anyone else's standards or expectations, and accept the roller coaster of emotions you will feel, especially in the beginning. Learn to understand your baby and trust yourself. Love your baby unconditionally, and enjoy him.
