Parent Info

PARENTS PAGE

The following short articles may answer some of the basic questions you may be asking yourself at this time.

Am I back to Normal in Six weeks?

Somehow six weeks has become the allotted time given to new mothers to feel “normal” again. They return to their obstetrician or midwife, and are cleared to resume normal activities; exercise and sex included.

Most new mothers feel extremely fatigued in the early weeks after childbirth. Not only is there a new life depending on them for their every need, they are also healing from the birth process, both physically and emotionally. It is difficult to adjust to getting little or no sleep, and caring for a newborn. If a new mother must return to work, there is added pressure to be back to normal in six weeks. Maternity leave often runs out at this time.

There are many variables to adjustment including temperament of baby, amount of help or support, medical complications, experience with newborns, and flexibility, maturity and coping skills of the new mother.

The more rest a new mother can get the better she will feel.. A good night’s sleep goes a long way. Support from friends and family is also important. If mom can focus on her baby, and have someone helping her to care for herself, life is a little easier with a newborn baby.

Be good to yourself, Moms. Confidence in your abilities will come in time. If you or your baby have had any birth complications, be extra kind to yourself. The healing process varies with each individual.

For most women, six weeks is not nearly enough time to adjust to the demands of motherhood. There is nothing wrong with you if you are still tired at six weeks postpartum, or if you haven’t lost all of your pregnancy weight. Remember, it took nine months to grow your baby. Give yourself time to get to know your baby, and to gain confidence in your mothering skills.

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