This Indian Goddess shows what all new moms need, more arms!
As soon as you start putting your baby to your breast, you will realize why so many Indian goddesses have many arms. You will wish you had six or eight arms, too! A baby squiggles. You may also want to do something else other than hold your baby (occasionally). Babies don’t really like to be put down. Keep in mind your baby just recently was carried in your womb continuously. Now you want to set him down?
Being a new mom means coping with several things all at once. You are recovering from your birth. You are learning how to breastfeed. You are learning how to mother. You are tired. The normal household and work stuff you used to do still awaits. And everyone wants to meet your new, beautiful baby!
No wonder new moms need extra hands. Sometimes those extra hands are friends or family. This works if your friends and family are hoping to help you, not just visit and see the baby. Sometimes the extra hands are a postpartum doula. She can help you negotiate the transition from adult woman to established mother. It isn’t an easy transition, but it is a wonderful one.
New moms need to concentrate on the basics. Get sleep. Eat regular meals. Nurse your baby. Recover physically. And Repeat. Anyone who helps with making those things happen is wonderful. Any friends who think just holding the baby is a big help can disrupt your new rhythm. Before your baby is born, try to find out who will help you will your postpartum recovery. This will save you worry and frustration.