Post Natal - Debunking the Supermum Myth

You did it! Baby is born and home and everything is going great! Isn't it?

There is a huge hormone change which happens at the end of pregnancy and giving birth and the 'Edinburgh Test' is commonly used to check on Mums around six weeks after baby's arrival. It gives professionals (it's usually done by your midwife) a guage, if you will. The most important thing is that you are honest when you answer the questions. I lied when I became a mum because I didn't want my midwife to think I was a bad mother for not being totally overjoyed and enthusiastic about my new role. It doesn't make you a bad mother if you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Most mums have the 'baby blues' after giving birth, but it's when the bad days start to outweigh the good that you need to chat to someone about how you are feeling. Don't ignore it, and don't let who you choose to talk to brush it off either. It's best to get a potential case of depression recognised sooner rather than later because if not dealt with, untreated depression can lead to permanent mental health problems.

The SuperMum Myth

Every mum battles with the supermum image...it's everywhere and particularly prominent in the media. We are bombarded with pictures of celebrity mums looking perfect and happy as they leave the hospital with their newborns. It's a MYTH. Those mums have nannies, night nurses, personal trainers, nutritionists, housekeepers, etc.
You may look around and see that "Sue" has it all under control and so you strive to be more like her. A week later, you fall apart wondering how she can do it and you can't. What we need to remember is that we all have different standards, different priorities and certainly different pressures. Scrubbing floors until they sparkle may be a priority for Sue, but for you it may be spending time on the floor, making your baby laugh for the first time or doing a puzzle with your 3 year old.

While that is easy advice to give, it's more difficult to take on. If you want help with your post natal adjustment period, give me a call. I'm not going to talk to you about breastfeeding vs. bottlefeeding or settling baby to sleep. There are professional organisations available to help you with that. I am here to support you with the emotional side effects after becoming a mother.

Congratulations to all my wonderful Mum readers - I'm sure you are doing a great job!


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