Knowing how to cope with maternal anxiety starts with recognizing that a mother's role is to be responsible for the well-being and protection of their little one.
As mothers, it is only normal that you fear for your child's safety and welfare. It is also normal for you to feel anxious when you think about the things that can potentially harm your kid. Although worrying is part of being a mother, this can cause undue distress for them. There are cases where a mother's anxiety feels something that can't be avoided, making it harder for them to decide even on basic things, not to mention the higher possibility of compromising them finding pleasure in their daily lives as mothers.
One way to understand where mothers are coming from is by knowing that their anxious feelings come from being the baby's primary caretaker.
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Here are five things or ways that can help you with how to cope with maternal anxiety:
Scary thoughts are every day
It's normal to have scary thoughts, especially if you're a first-time mom. You have a lot of worries about your baby and how you will raise them. One way on how to cope with maternal anxiety like this is by normalizing those scary thoughts and sharing them with your trusted friend, family member, partner, or even a professional. That will help tolerate their presence and allow you to accept that those were just mere thoughts.
Remember that a thought does not count for something that is real or something that will happen in any way.
Notice and accept those scary thoughts
Besides talking your scary thoughts out with your trusted person, another way to cope with maternal anxiety is by noticing those scary thoughts and accepting them. Allow those scary thoughts to move past you, like how clouds go by up in the sky. The goal is to acknowledge those thoughts and not cling to them.
Losses come with wins
There are a lot of complicated feelings in motherhood. There are also many changes, wins, as well as losses that come with having a child.
Although it is expected that you avoid talking about such feelings, it is not okay that you linger at that.
Learning how to cope with maternal anxiety is also learning that there are also losses in being a mother, making all the wins feel more fulfilling.
Accepting all these will allow you to move through your feelings, each one giving way gently to the next.
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Professional help is okay
If the stress and worry are too much, one great way on how to cope with maternal anxiety is by seeking professional help.
Although it is customary to worry as a mother, it is not okay that you are suffering from your worries.
Medication might be an option
Many women turn to medication as their way on how to cope with maternal anxiety.
If your anxiety is being too much for you, consult your doctor for medication well-studied concerning breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your doctor and be honest with how you are feeling.
