8 New Mum Myths Debunked
For any expectant mother, it may seem like the moment you announce you’re pregnant, you become bombarded by advice and opinions for every angle. While most of it is supplied with good intentions, this is also the reason so many myths are out there surrounding motherhood.
Thankfully, these eight myths have proven to be 100% false:
Myth No. 1: There is only one right way.
When it comes to parenting, there is no one way to do something. If that means you change your baby’s nappy on the floor instead of a changing table, skip bath night when they just won’t have it or opt out of using a child carrier because it’s uncomfortable, that’s just fine. While certain safety recommendations are there for a reason, like having your baby sleep in an empty crib, the little tricks and methods you employ to get yourself and your baby through the day are entirely up to you.
Myth No. 2: Bonding with your baby is instant.
The experience of giving birth is no doubt a magical one, but what that means for everyone will also be different. Some women will feel an instant connection to their little one, but the stress of giving birth and becoming a new mum may mean that feeling doesn’t come right away. The two of you have to figure each other out, and that takes time.
Myth No. 3: You’ll never leave the house.
In the beginning, this may certainly feel like the case, but freedom is coming, we promise. As your baby gets a bit older and you get more comfortable, you’ll find yourself more willing to leave the house with them or leave them with your partner or a sitter. Make sure when you do leave the house that you do something for yourself if you can, even if it’s just getting a cup of coffee.
Myth No. 4: You won’t have bad days.
Not every day is a fairy tale. There will be days when all your efforts fail and it just doesn’t seem like you can win. These happen and they’re part of the constant learning experience that is being a parent. Try not to beat yourself up for a bad day and focus on the good: what did your baby eat, what did you expose them to that was new . . . even if it was just to try and stop them from crying.
Myth No. 5: You’ll always “like” your child.
This is a tough one for some people to understand. Just as with your partner, there will be days your baby just gets on your nerves. This is the time to make sure you step away when you’re able and do something for yourself. Remind yourself of all you’ve accomplished and take a moment to pause or even meditate. The feeling will pass and it doesn’t mean you’re a “bad” mum.
Myth No. 6: Your relationship will suffer.
Becoming parents will inevitably change your relationship with your partner, but it doesn’t mean it will negatively impact it forever. In the beginning, intimacy may be the last thing on your mind and you may bicker about who does what, but these moments help your relationship to evolve. Open communication is key to overcoming the hurdles that parenthood brings.
Myth No. 7: Doing everything on your own is proof that you are a good Mum.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll eventually develop your own methods for every aspect of your child’s life that work for you. But that doesn’t mean you have to be the sole captain of the ship. Asking for help when you need it is vital for your mental and emotional well being, and this can be hard for some of us capable, self sufficient mums to do..
Myth No. 8: It takes a village.
Let us explain. In the last myth, we emphasized bringing in help, and you will definitely need this at times. However, you do not need to honour everyone’s advice all the time and let them pick your parenting apart. Every parent is different and every child is unique, so don’t let yourself be pulled in multiple directions. Advice is great when you’ve asked for it, but not when it is thrown at you uninvited.
Getting hung up on myths like these can take away from the beautiful journey that is being a mother. Trust your instincts, take a deep breath and you and your baby will be just fine.
