How To Stop Worrying Obsessively About Your Newborn

How To Stop Worrying Obsessively About Your Newborn 

Being a parent is the greatest joy you'll ever experience and one you wouldn't change for the world. From the moment you found out you were pregnant to feeling that first little kick and holding your baby in your arms for the first time, you realize the bond and connection you share is unlike anything you've ever experienced before. However, one thing you may not have expected is the fear and worry that accompany new motherhood. Seeing how small and helpless your little one is paired with the fierce desire to protect them is enough to make any new mom feel overwhelmed.

First, I want to assure you that you're not alone! If you've found yourself worrying non-stop about pretty much anything and everything related to your newborn, you're just like billions of moms throughout the centuries. The good news is that there are things you can do to help alleviate the worry and give you the peace of mind necessary to breathe again. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea or a snack, and keep reading to find out how you can stop worrying obsessively about your newborn.

Find A Trustworthy Pediatrician

Finding a pediatrician you trust and feel comfortable confiding in is priceless. As an expert on babies, your pediatrician can answer questions, address concerns, and soothe your mind. They are used to moms of newborns asking tons of questions and are happy to answer each one without judgment. Many pediatricians also offer a personal line that you can call connecting you to them directly, a much-appreciated benefit to have on hand. The more you hear the pediatrician assure you that your baby is happy and healthy, the less you will worry, so be sure to find one that you connect with and feel comfortable reaching out to.

Use The Internet With Caution

While resources like Google and Web MD can sometimes offer valuable advice, they can also send you down a spiral of misinformation. Chances are you've experienced this yourself, googling a symptom and finding yourself face to face with horrible and terrifying possible causes. Now amplify that feeling ten-fold since it's your baby, and you can see what a slippery slope online diagnostics can be! Don't waste your time searching the internet to try and diagnose your baby's symptoms; instead, give your pediatrician a call and let them check on your little one. While the internet is a great resource for finding more on topics like baby essentials, diapering, feeding, and hacks, you'll want to stick to the professionals for more serious concerns.

 

Ask Other Moms

Experience is everything as a mom, and having someone to talk to who has walked the same path as you makes all the difference. Often new moms retreat into a bubble, isolating themselves from the outside world; this isn't usually on purpose, but taking care of a newborn is a full-time 24-hour a day job! The problem with becoming so immersed in caring for your baby is you forget there are other moms out there that can provide you with much-needed support and encouragement. Staying connected to other moms during the newborn stage will help you keep your sanity and act as a shoulder to cry on when everything feels so overwhelming. Having someone to turn to answer questions can help relieve stress and reduce worry. Simple answers like finding out their baby spit up a lot, too, or green poop isn't uncommon, can provide unmatched peace of mind! 

Talk To Yourself

Ok, this may sound like a better way to get committed instead of a tip on worrying less, but hear me out. Positive self-talk is a powerful and effective way to change the way we view ourselves and the world around us. It's proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve depression, calm the mind, and help you feel more in control of your life. Now you see where I'm going with this! By reminding yourself that your baby is healthy and happy, you can begin retraining your brain to worry less. When you experience a negative thought like "something's wrong with my baby because they're doing..." take a step back away from the initial emotional response and speak positive truth to the situation.

 

For example, let's take a common worry among new parents, "my baby is crying too much; there must be something seriously wrong." Now, taking the emotional response out, you can work through it by speaking rational reasoning to yourself, which looks like this, "my baby is crying a lot; they may be gassy since they just ate or were overstimulated by too much light. Let me try burping them and bringing them to a calmer area to see if they will calm down." 

With a bit of trial and error, you can begin to identify what your newborn needs faster without jumping to worst-case scenarios. 

Ask For Help

Asking for help is often one of the last things new parents think of, but it can make all the difference. Whether you reach out to family or friends to bring a meal, watch your baby so you can sleep, or assist with the housework, turning to your support system can help relieve anxiety and worry. Knowing you have someone who can run to the store to buy baby diapers or do the grocery shopping can free up your mind to focus on your little one.

It's also important for new moms to monitor their thoughts, and if you realize your worrying has begun getting in the way of taking care of your baby or is affecting other relationships or your mental health, it's crucial to reach out to your doctor or psychiatrist. Postpartum depression affects one out of every seven women who give birth and can cause extreme sadness, worry, and despair. Seeking professional help can make all the difference in your and your baby's health!

Don't let worry get in the way of enjoying your little one; being a new parent is hard, but it’s the most rewarding role you’ll ever have! While worry is a natural part of parenthood, there are steps you can take to keep it from consuming your thoughts, like finding a trustworthy pediatrician, limiting your internet searches, talking to other moms, positive self-talk, and asking for help. Your little one grows so quickly, so allow yourself to take a breath and enjoy this precious time, soaking in every sweet and adorable moment!