Simple Tips for New Moms on Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is supposed to be something your baby suffers from. So why do you feel so overwhelmed by the thought of leaving your baby for the first time? It’s perfectly natural to feel sad at the thought of leaving your baby and it’s something every new mother experiences. You can’t help but worry. You’ve carried this baby inside you for nine months. Then the two of you have been inseparable for another four to six weeks. To suddenly be without your baby feels empty. However, it’s also healthy to spend time on your own or with your husband. If you never leave your baby, you’ll never get used to it. You need to realize your baby will be fine just as much as you need to realize you will be fine. Make sure you feel comfortable when you leave, even if it’s for a short while. If you are only running to the store, you will feel better about leaving a dozen changes of clothes, a supersize package of diapers and liters of breast milk. Allow yourself these new mother idiosyncrasies. You should also feel free to call home and check on your baby as often as you like. Have your care giver put the phone up to your baby’s ear so you are comforted at knowing she can hear your voice. Survival Tip One:Have someone watch the baby while you’re home. This is important, especially if you are adjusting to a new child care provider. You want to make sure she cares for your baby the way you would. Especially if you are planning to go back to work, you want to feel comfortable. Having someone watch your baby while you’re home is also a great way to get things done around the house. Survival Tip Two:Leave for short periods of time initially. Getting comfortable with being away from your baby is as important for you as it is for him or her. Don’t plan a weekend away for your first separation experience. You’ll be miserable. Instead, have a friend come over while you run to get milk. Slowly increase the time you’re away from home until you feel comfortable leaving. Survival Tip Three:Don’t feel bad if you cry. The first time many new mothers leave their babies, they are devastated. Acknowledge your feelings and acknowledge they are normal. Call home if it will make you feel better. Survival Tip Four:Don’t feel bad if you look forward to time away from your baby. You have devoted months to caring for this little life. To want an afternoon to yourself is anything but selfish. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed from having no time to yourself. Do something special. Go to an exercise class, enjoy a museum, get a manicure, or have lunch with a friend. Survival Tip Five:Try to schedule something that you enjoy such as a night out with your husband. Attend a play, meet up with some friends, or go to dinner at a favorite spot so you are appropriately distracted. Another thing you can try is to do something you can’t avoid, like a dentist appointment, so you aren’t tempted to go back home.
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