How is a new mom supossed to act?

Question

I'm very happy with our new baby but I just don't know how to act especially around crowds. I am also depressed & taking medication for that. Please help. & Please no smart aleck remarks

Answer 1

When battling any kind of depression, continuing with a normal life is essential. That's a little difficult for a new parent, your life is moving into a new "normal." You need to learn to appreciate your new life.

Concentrate on your new job. Caring for your baby is the most important thing you can do at the moment. These first few months will be a challenge while you are learning how best to do your job. You will soon figure out a schedule that works for you and your baby and you can relax more.

Try not to stress yourself too much. If crowds are a problem, then stay home for the first few months. Outings are a big effort, a 10 pound baby needs 40 pounds of life-support when you go to the mall.

If you are worried how be behave in social situations, just concentrate on your baby. The other people expect you to be proud and head-over-heels in love with your baby. They will not be surprised that you don't have much time for them, that you can't stay away from home as long as you used to, that you get tired more quickly. These are all normal and expected.

Relax! Your family and friends are on your side. The less stress you give yourself, the better able you will be to take good care of your baby.

Answer 2

Depression is normal after having a baby. I would suggest to get off the meds. We woman have been dealing with that forever without meds until recently. If we were able to do it in the past, you should be darn well sure we can continue to do it. Remember the easy way out is not always truly easy or the right way.

Now about how you act in public with your beautiful baby? Like you have the most beautiful baby in the world! Let people gawk, I know I love to gawk at babies. But don't let strangers get too close and don't be embarrassed to ask them to back up. Any person of normal intelligence and common sense will understand. But most of all remember that you are still you, just a plus one now!! Be you and it will all be good!

Answer 3

I was the same way with my first child. Although I wasn't on medication for depression, but I had panic attacks when I had to leave my house with my baby. I was nervous about it and the attention you get is hard to handle if you aren't used to it. But the good news is you get used to it. It feels good to see all the people ooh and ahh all about your beautiful baby. Don't feel like you have to act a certain way...just be yourself. No matter what you choose to do in raising your baby someone is going to disagee because everyone does things different. Just ignore comments if they come and be happy in knowing you are doing the best you can for your baby and your baby loves you! I'm sure you will be a great mom!!

Answer 4

There is no right way to act. Being a new mom is overwhelming, scary, and fantastic all at the same time. Don't feel bad because you are depressed, a lot of moms go through the "baby blues". As long as you keep in touch with your doctor and support of people everything will work out fine. Maybe you could try a mom and me group to help you get used to being around others. Plus you will get the benefit of being around others who maybe have been what you are going through. Congrats and keep your head up!!!

Answer 5

Have you had your thyroid checked? I was exhausted beyond belief and depressed during and after my pregnancies. I finally found out that I had thyroid failure. Now that I take a synthetic thyroid medication, all is normal again. For women, thyroid problems are extremely common. The test is a simple blood test, so please ask your doctor for it to rule that possibility in or out. The post-partum stuff DOES get better, but it's best not to try to wing it on your own. Take care, and know that you're not alone out there, even though it might seem that way sometimes.
-- Mom of three --

Answer 6

Awww all moms go through what your going through. Some do not need medication for the post partum depression but we all feel this way. My foirst child I would not play with or ineract with in public especially crowds fearing someone would critique me as a aprent. Eventually I got over it and loved being in public with her. I felt this way with all 4 of my children. U could tell ur dr your still depressed and they can switch your medication and with depression medicine it ussually affects your thyroid so ask for a thyroid test this can explain mood swings and possible lethargy and no energy.

Answer 7

Well all new moms are different, but when out in crowds act the way you want to be treated you can not hide the germs, let you little one have the experiences of the public and you will be fine if your over protective thats the mom thing we have all been there

Answer 8

There is no specific way for a new mom to act. My son was in the NICU for a month after he was born(7wks early) and I spent the first month of his life crying, and the second month wondering wtf I was doing, because first my son is cut out of my body and whisked away before I could touch him, then they didn't let me see him for almost a full day, and then it was 4 days before I could hold him. Then all of a sudden I have a one month old baby to take care of.

The day my son was born was one of the worst days of my life, but the day he came home was one of the happiest.

He's 3 months old now and I still don't know how to act sometimes. I mean, I'm really happy he's home, but in some ways I still feel cheated, like I lost something. I'm extremely glad I've got him, but I hate taking him in crowds too because people want to touch him and it annoys me to no end.

Answer 9

You have enough to worry about hun.
Don't worry yourself with "how to act" infront of people.
Let your maternal instincts lead the way and to hell with what anyone else thinks.
Worrying about the opinions people have will only make your depression worse!
You shouldn't have to "act" like anything for anybody...and even if you tried...you can't make EVERYONE happy all the time...so screw it...do what you and your baby need and don't give a second thought to anyone else.

Good luck hun...

Answer 10

Your question is to vague for me to answer...how do you feel in crowds? With medication should come a professional for you to talk to and get you through this. Your life has changed and you need a helping hand.... don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Your family is worth it. Good luck and congratulations on your baby!