How can new mothers find peace amidst the noise?
I recall when I was a new mother, I was reading a lot of parenting books, reading social media posts about breastfeeding, getting tons of opinions from my confinement nanny & family members on how I should carry & feed the baby.
One of the most overwhelming aspects of the early days and weeks can be the sheer number of opinions and advice that come your way. Everyone from family members, to friends, to strangers on the street, seem to have an opinion on how you should be parenting your child. It can feel impossible to find peace amidst all of the noise.
First, it's important to remember that you are the expert on your child. No one knows your baby better than you do, and ultimately, you are the one who knows what is best for your family. Trust yourself and your instincts. It's easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, but remember that you are the one who is living this experience, and you are the one who knows what is best for your baby.
One way to find peace amidst all the opinions is to set boundaries. It can be helpful to establish a clear line between what is helpful and what is not. For example, you might be open to hearing advice from a pediatrician or lactation consultant, but less interested in hearing unsolicited advice from strangers. Be clear with yourself and others about what kind of advice you are willing to hear, and what kind of advice you are not.
Another way to find peace is to seek out community. Surround yourself with people who understand what you are going through, and who can offer support and understanding. Joining a new mother's group or a parenting class can be a great way to connect with other mothers who are going through similar experiences.
(Psst - looking for your own community? Join Flourish - my group programme that helps mamas to find more joy & confidence. We talk & learn about sifting through the noise & developing your own parenting philosophy, freeing ourselves from mental load, practicing self-compassion…and more! Click here to join the waitlist)
It is also important to be selective about the information you take in. With the internet and social media, there are endless sources of parenting advice and information, but not all of it is accurate or helpful. Be selective about the sources you turn to for information, and don't be afraid to seek out additional opinions or advice if you are uncertain about something.
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. Parenting is hard work, and there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, and remember that you are doing the best you can. Seek out self-care and self-compassion, and remember that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled, too.
Finding peace amidst the noise is possible. Taking care of yourself is crucial to being a joyful and fulfilled mother.
You’ve got this, mama. If you need more tips & resources on rediscovering you in motherhood & empowered parenting, join my online newsletter - Letters to Mama, listen to my podcast - Making Mama Magic, or hop over to my Instagram at @_thecuriousmama.
In this together with you,
Ava
