Having a child is one of the most joyous and exciting moments in a person’s life. However, it is not uncommon for new parents to feel overwhelmed when it comes to dealing with overbearing family and friends.
This all starts from the moment you have your baby!! Everyone is so happy and overjoyed that you have welcomed this beautiful soul and wants to meet them, ASAP. The problem with that is, you are trying to get rest and bond with your baby as a family before any outside influences are introduced. These first few hours are so important for baby, especially, and mom as well. How do we fix this before we even get to that stage? Set boundaries. It is essential to establish boundaries with family and friends and communicate your expectations about their involvement in your life as a new parent. If you establish these boundaries before you birth your baby – Things should be smooth and no one should feel angry or hurt as to why certain things are not happening when THEY want it to happen.
You also want to simply be honest. If you feel smothered or overwhelmed, it is okay to be honest with your family and friends. Communicate your thoughts and feelings calmly and respectfully. If your family members are too overbearing, you can limit the number of visits or time spent with them. This will help create space and time for your family to bond with your new child.
It was a very big help that I had my partner to defend my decisions and be my support system. He did not shy away from making sure everyone knew exactly what I felt and when I felt it. He even made sure to stay on the doctors/nurses to make sure they knew that I had a support system and was not alone.
Remember that you have the right to set boundaries and prioritize your family’s well-being. You can create a healthy and positive relationship with your family and friends while still maintaining your independence and autonomy as a new parent.
WTF MOM 