Banishing Anxiety as a First Time Mother

When you are a first time mother, it is very easy to get anxious or scared. Your body is sending you messages that you have never encountered before, and suddenly everyone you know is filling your head with horror stories! As you go through your pregnancy, this anxiety does you more harm than good, so consider these tips for quelling your fears!

Stop Scary Stories in Their Tracks

If you can tell that someone is about to launch into a horror story about someone else’s rough pregnancy, stop them politely but firmly. Let them know that those stories are not helping, and that you would rather not hear them. This is a great way to cut down on a great deal of your stress.

Hang Out With Safe People

Who do you consider your family? A first time mother often feels very nervous and very lost. If you can, spend time with your loved ones. They are your support network, and even if they are far away, a text, an email or some quality time on Skype can help you feel close to them. Think about who you consider safe, and consider getting some time with them.

Do Your Own Research

If you are worried about a certain topic regarding your pregnancy, do your own research. There are a lot of stories and legends about how pregnancies go, and simply asking someone else is not always going to give you the answer that you need. Get online and start searching for the real facts; in some cases, the most famous pregnancy truths are actually myths!

Maintain a Close Relationship With Your Doctor

The more comfortable you feel with your OB/GYN the better. Your doctor will be with you from the beginning of your pregnancy to the end, and he or she can help calm your fears considerably. Save up your questions, and ask them during your visits. If you are not satisfied with the answer, ask for clarification. 

Consider a Midwife 

A midwife is a professional who assists with the birth and the pregnancy in a significantly more hands-on way than a doctor. A midwife will come to your home, and his or her priority will specifically be making sure that your pregnancy goes easily. Midwives offer more personal care than doctors do, and because of this, they can be an excellent choice for a first-time mother.

If you are someone who is feeling a little nervous in the middle of all the excitement of a pregnancy, take a deep breath and relax. Most women have very normal pregnancies, and the chances of something going unexpectedly wrong are quite slim. Talk out your fears and take control of them so that you will have a great pregnancy.

Guest post by Heather Smith, ex-nanny and editor of Nanny.net.