3 OF THE BEST... PENCIL
DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER MUMS
IT’S easy to see or talk to other mums and think they have a closer bond with their baby than you have with yours.
But – especially on social media
– you really have no idea what’s going on inside their heads. They might be struggling as much, or more than you.
The NCT suggests that if you’re finding social media sites are making you feel inadequate, stop using them as “they never tell the whole story”.
And Anna says: “Never measure yourself against anyone else – many women worry they don’t fit the Hollywood/Instagram mould of being a doting fully-bonded mother.”
TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS
REMEMBER you’re not alone and that a third of mums don’t bond with their baby immediately. But don’t keep how you feel to yourself, stress the experts.
“Most importantly I’d urge mums who feel like this to talk to other parents, a trusted friend, family member or health professional about how they’re feeling, to get muchneeded support,” advises Amy.
You could also try going to local groups like baby massage or breastfeeding groups, to help open up discussions with other mums.
Anna adds: “If the feelings persist, it’s worth speaking to a professional such as your midwife, health visitor or GP to check there’s nothing underlying going on with regards to your mental and emotional health.
“Becoming a parent takes time, and nobody’s born with the same or particular set of skills. Like any love, it often grows as time goes on and as every parent is different, so is every child.”
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