Are you worried about how to adapt your life for motherhood? If so, you’re not alone. Being a mom has come to have many different meanings these days, with more mothers working full-time, having children later in life, and raising those children on their own. If you’re one of these women, you deserve some serious credit, but you also deserve to have the information that can help you thrive as a new parent. That’s where the following tips can help.
Mothers Have Rights When It Comes to Pumping at Work
One way you can fight for your rights as a working mother is to stay informed of your rights to pump while you are on the job. You have the right to a private space to pump, and you also have the right to a break to make pumping easier — and you can file a complaint if those rights are refused. To make exercising these rights easier, you should invest in some nursing-friendly clothing like a pumping bra. A hands-free pumping bra can save you time and hassle when pumping on the go, and it can make taking those pump breaks at work less stressful.
New Moms Should Also Be Allowed to Breastfeed in Comfort
You will also need to find ways to breastfeed your child comfortably. You actually have the right to do this as well, even in public, although you should be aware that laws around breastfeeding can differ by state. Most states prevent businesses and employers from asking a breastfeeding mother to cover up. If having that extra privacy does help you feel more comfortable feeding your child in public, you can always use a scarf or nursing cover for added modesty.
But Breastfeeding Isn’t the Only Option for Feeding Your Child
Being able to breastfeed at all can also present problems for many new mothers. You can find lactation tipsthat may help you successfully breastfeed your new baby, or you can even consult a lactation consultant in person. You should be able to perform an online search to find one, but also know that there’s no shame in feeding your baby formula either. The most important thing is that your baby gets the nutrition it needs, so use whatever method works best for you.
It Can Take Time to Find the Right Childcare for Your New Baby
Finding care for your little one that is trustworthy and affordable isn’t always easy, so start your search as early as possible. Ask friends and family for suggestions or look to fellow single moms. If your work schedule is not traditional, you may need to make other arrangements for childcare, such as hiring college students with more flexible evening hours or looking into ways to split childcare costs with other parents.
Nesting Is an Essential Process That Can Help You Prep Your Home
As you progress through your pregnancy, you may feel the urge to tidy up your home. Know that this is completely normal and that your feelings can be very useful for setting up your home for your baby’s arrival. Use this time wisely to make sure your home is stocked with clean clothes, towels, and bedding for you and baby — and maybe even to stock your kitchen with freezer meals to make those first few weeks as a mom easier.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help During Your Pregnancy and After
Forming a support network can be especially helpful for moms who are single. When you need advice or support, online forums and support groups can be helpful but try to reach out to people you know and trust as well. Even having a shoulder to cry on when you feel stressed can feel like a new parent life preserver. So, nurture your relationships now; that way, you know who you can rely on once your baby arrives.
Becoming a new parent is always stressful, but new moms can prepare for parenthood to make life a little easier. Find support where you can, find ways to simplify your routine, and above all, find ways to take care of yourself as you care for your baby. Because you definitely deserve it!
