What New Mothers Should Stop Feeling Guilty About

New mothers will have a lot of things that they’ll be stressed about and feel guilty for. They shouldn’t feel guilty about going back to work, not breastfeeding, or asking for help. Motherhood will be an adventure and there is nothing new mothers should feel guilty about because they’re doing their best.

Going Back to Work

Going back to work can be difficult for mothers, but it’s nothing to feel guilty about. You need to provide for your child and the only way to do that is through working. Mothers shouldn’t feel guilty about going back to work because it’s necessary. It’s also something that you probably enjoy and it’s important for mothers to continue to enjoy their lives, including work. You might try easing into it. You can try working for a few hours and moving up from there.

Not Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is something that everyone wants to give you advice on. However, every baby is different, every mother has different opinions, and it’s a personal choice if you’re going to breastfeed or not. Bottle-feeding comes with many benefits for you and your baby. You also shouldn’t feel guilty if you don’t breastfeed for “long enough.” You just have to make a choice for whatever is best for you and your baby. All you need to worry about is whether your baby is fed, happy, and healthy.

Asking for Help

Asking for help can be a little scary, especially because you want to seem like you can do it by yourself. You’ll need help at some point and it’s alright to ask for it. You can ask for help from a babysitter, family member, daycare, neighbor, or your partner. There is a limit for how much you can do and handle, so finding people to help share the burden is important for your mental health. It’s never a good idea to stretch yourself too thin, especially when there’s a baby involved. Ask for help, and don’t feel guilty about asking.

Mothers have so many things they’re dealing with on a daily basis, guilt shouldn’t add to everything. There are countless things that a new mother might be feeling a little guilty about. They shouldn’t feel guilty about going back to work, not breastfeeding, or asking for help. There are definitely things that a new mother shouldn’t feel guilty about and give themselves a break.

Are you a new mother with a small baby? Come capture the love you have for each other with a Mother Child Portrait Experience!