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New moms: Taking care of your baby starts with care for self

Posted
Infant being held while yawning

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. How can I ease my stress?
2. Who can I turn to?
3. How can friends and family help?

Congratulations on your baby!

Right now you may be overwhelmed with feelings of joy — and terror. Taking care of a new baby brings on lots of worries, but that’s normal. So try to relax.

There’s time to bond with your baby and time to learn what works for you — and your family.

1. HOW CAN I EASE MY STRESS?

First, try to manage your stress, take care of your mental health and eat well. Sleep is going to be tough during the next few months with a newborn, so it's important to take care of yourself as much as you can.

That may mean taking care of those typical life stresses, like ensuring you have consistent medical care, stable housing, financial support and safe relationships. The community has plenty of resources that can help if you need backup.

2. WHO CAN I TURN TO?

If you're pregnant, reach out to Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies.

If you have a newborn, contact HomeSafe or 2-1-1.

3. HOW CAN FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP?

Next, build a support system of family and/or friends before delivering your baby. They can help when you need a break or a shoulder to cry on or need someone trusted to watch the baby so you can take a much-deserved nap.

If you're new to the area and don't have a support system, you can reach out to Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies. Its Circle of Moms support groups are great resources. You also can reach out to HomeSafe. Both organizations are funded by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County and are here to help expecting families and those with young children.

SOURCE:
• Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County

 

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Related resources

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    Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach County

    Maternal Child Health Division — services for pregnant women and families with babies, including nutrition information, nurse home visits, breastfeeding support and more

    561-840-4500 Website
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    Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach County

    WIC — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 (For the Breastfeeding Warmline, call 561-398-0351)

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    HomeSafe

    Based in Lake Worth Beach, crisis intervention, planning, assessment, support, resources and therapy for victims of domestic violence and their children

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    Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County

    A safety net of local services and support for pregnant women and families with infants, focusing on racial disparities in birth outcomes

    561-623-2800 Website