Your baby is screaming, everything feels chaotic, and you feel like you’re failing. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re doing great, and here’s why.
It's okay to make mistakes
You don’t have to be an expert in baby care right away. Taking care of a baby takes practice. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.
Forgetfulness is normal
During pregnancy and your baby’s first year, your brain changes to help you connect with your baby. It focuses more on recognizing emotions and understanding feelings, which can lead to decreased concentration and forgetfulness [1,2].
It's okay to get mad
Just because your baby's crying irritates you doesn't mean you don't love them. Feeling this way is normal. You haven't done anything wrong.
Three tips for a good mom
Give yourself the right to make mistakes.
If today didn’t go well, there’s always tomorrow to try again.
Don't listen to intrusive advice
Other people's experiences may not work for you, especially if the advice giver is overbearing and pushy. This often means they are more concerned with themselves than with your well-being [3].
Find people to learn from
It's important to have resources you can turn to. Look for someone who is tactful, supportive, and doesn’t pressure you. If you don't have such people in your family or friend circle, that’s okay. You can find support in mom’s groups on the internet [3].
Photo: shutterstock
