One of the hardest things to handle as a new mother is when your baby is crying, and nothing you try will settle them. Or when they just want to be held, and you really need to make the dinner, or get a shower, or fold the laundry…the list goes on and on. It’s true. This is tough. We’ve all been there. It’s not just you! There are those beautiful “Mommy moments” that everyone shares, and then there are the realistic moments that many women don’t want to talk about. Why? Do we feel like we aren’t doing a good job at this “New Mom” gig? Do we feel like we aren’t connecting with our baby? Maybe we feel (ok, maybe it’s just me)…like we just aren’t good at this! Guess what? You’re wrong. This is completely normal for a new baby, and for a new mother…even for veteran moms! The difference is that veteran moms realize its okay to put the baby down. It’s okay to let them cry for a few minutes while you finish a task. It’s also okay to not worry about folding the laundry…and forget the dishes for today. Hold the baby if your instincts are telling you to do that. Here are some strategies to try that just might help:

• Try your hardest not to feel guilty (yeah, right!) and go ahead and finish the task you need to do.
• Ask for help! We all want to think we can do it all. Supermom, right? Guess what? It takes a village! All those people who are offering to help – take them up on it. Let someone else hold the baby, load your dishwasher, or fold a load of laundry. It’s okay! Bonus, you get some adult interaction!
• Try talking or singing to the baby as you go through your daily routines. Let them see and hear you. Use a reassuring, soothing voice. If you sound stressed, baby will be stressed, too.
• Try a sling or a wrap! My oldest daughter was in a sling for so long that she would pull the side down to see what I was cooking for dinner! Baby gets the comforting touch of mom, the feel of your safe heartbeat, and you get to accomplish some things.
• Let the tasks go! If it’s hurting your heart so much that you just want to cry, let the household things go for a day. It will get done, it always does. I promise. Hold the baby if you need to. You will both feel better!
• Cry with your baby. We’ve all been there. This is a huge emotional and physical change for you! Learning the balance of life can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes a good cry feels GREAT and might be just what you need. Finish crying, wipe those tears and move on with a new found strength.
• When you find time to cook, make a double batch! Freeze the second half. That will be one less day you have to cook later.
• Learn to love your slow cooker. There are tons of recipes out there for delicious meals that you toss in the pot!

Come on veteran moms! Share with us your secrets…and admit that you’ve been there, too! Comment, like and share the blog!

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