The first summer being a new mom

You’ve dreamed of taking your new baby to the beach or pool, both of you dressed in cute swimsuits, or of strolling around your town with friends and iced coffee. But now that your first summer is approaching with your baby, you feel… scared? Isolated? All of a sudden aware of the risks of heat exhaustion or dehydration and of your postpartum body?

I’m also approaching my first summer as a new mom, and after having a winter baby, it feels very welcome. But almost as soon as I feel the excitement, I also feel fears sink in. How will I keep my baby cool in the Georgia heat? Will I be able to have consistent childcare with everyone traveling and daycares closing for weeks at a time? How will I pump while traveling? There are so many new factors at play in your life as a new mom, and as the seasons change, you and your baby’s needs change too. Be honest about your fears – write them out, or talk to someone about them. You’ll find that you’re not crazy for worrying that switching the AC from heat to cool will mess up your baby’s perfect sleep schedule or if the bug spray you bought is actually safe for your baby.

Now that you’ve been honest about your fears, what can you do to make this a great summer?

• Set expectations. This summer will be different from those you experienced before a baby or being pregnant. You won’t have as much time for fun girls’ trips, or date nights with your partner, or solo pool days with a good book. Your new normal with a baby in tow isn’t bad, but it is different. Give yourself permission to embrace the messiness of this season and transition.

• Get out of the house and do the things that feel out of your comfort zone. Even if it’s too hot to be outside for long, walk to the mailbox, go to the pool, walk in the mall, or grab coffee somewhere. Note that you may be afraid of many things with your baby, but the more you get out and have positive experiences, the less loud those fears will be.

• Take care of your body too. I know you’re worrying about your baby’s health and wellbeing, but don’t forget your hydration and your nutrition.

• Call your body good. It doesn’t have to feel good, you don’t even have to feel grateful for it, but call it good. Say it out loud, even if it feels silly and doesn’t seem true. You have a good body. Notice times that you do feel thankful for all your body does and call it out.

• Connect with others. You may feel more isolated this year, whether you’re at home with your baby, in the office, or a mix of both, but you do not have to deal with the challenges of motherhood alone. Talk with friends who are also moms and get it, and then talk with friends who are not moms and can engage you in topics that aren’t baby related. If you are dealing with anxiety that won’t go away or negative feelings that are present most of the time, you may want to reach out to a professional, such as your OB or a counselor.

This time is challenging, but will be so sweet and filled with meaningful memories with your baby. Remember that you are not meant to do this journey of motherhood alone, and that there are resources and people who would love to help you.