Save the First-time Mommies Campaign
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First-time “mommy anxiety”, or what I like to call the Chicken Little complex, can be overwhelming; especially when you constantly feel the sky could drop on your head at any given second. Women who have never been anxious in their lives, will develop fears and panic they never thought they could have; and mommies who are prone to over-react to what life brings them (I’ll call these women the severely empathetic), can be absolutely mortified throughout every moment of the day!
I ran into a first-time mother at the pediatrician’s office yesterday. When she first entered the waiting room, you could see the excitement on her face, proudly showing off her 6 week-old pride and joy. Remember that feeling when you got to leave the house with your perfect infant for the first time, after being cooped up for six weeks? You’re craving all the praise for your efforts of making it thus far, and in a sleep-deprived stupor, wish for the pediatrician to grant you the Mother of the Year award. You are just sure no other mother could possibly understand what you have just been through in the last month and a half. Sleep really does prevent insanity and delusions…
This new mommy left hubby and baby in the waiting room for a few minutes, and then returned from the bathroom in a panic. I recognized the anxiety, so I consoled her, had her sit down and call her OB/GYN immediately. Now one of the pediatric Nurse Practitioners in the office brought her back to a room to be observed, and then I don’t know what happened after that, for our name was called and we were moved to a room to share our stories of mucus…AGAIN. But I said a little prayer that this new mom was okay – and she probably was, but it was so apparent the anxiety was at an all-time high for this mother –her fears were palpable.
It’s situations like this that seem to arise just when you least expect it. A clarity, which hits you in the brain-house so hard you have to share it with others. Here is my idea: If you see a new mother who looks scared, confused or panic-stricken, stop and talk to her. Ask her if she is okay. Listen to her complaints. Feel free to give her positive advice and encouragement. This is my new pledge for 2010. It’s the “Save a First-Time Mommy” campaign. Look for them in waiting rooms, the grocery store, or in the baby aisle at Wal-Mart or Target. Help them so when they get their life under control, they can pass it forward and help the next Chicken Little.
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Tags: anxiety, Chicken Little Complex, mommy, mucus, nurse, stress
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