Navigating Societal Expectations: How New Moms Can Find Balance and Support

"Parent like you don't have to work, work like you aren't a parent." This phrase encapsulates the overwhelming expectations placed on new mothers in today's society. The pressure to maintain a perfect balance between parenting and professional responsibilities can be daunting. The societal narrative encourages new moms to engage in an array of activities that are deemed essential for both their well-being and their child's development. For instance, the emphasis on working out regularly, eating a balanced and healthy diet, attending mommy and me classes, and ensuring daily walks can feel insurmountable, especially when one considers that all of this is expected just six weeks after giving birth!

This timeline can seem unrealistic and adds to the pressure many mothers feel. Moreover, the advice surrounding infant care can be equally perplexing and conflicting. If your baby isn’t sleeping well, the solution is often presented as sleep training, which can be a daunting task in itself. On the other hand, if your baby isn’t feeding as expected, the suggestion might be to turn to formula, but this can lead to feelings of failure for mothers who are told that breastfeeding is the superior choice. This creates a cycle of guilt and self-doubt, where every decision feels scrutinized. The well-meaning adage to "sleep when the baby sleeps" quickly becomes impractical once maternity leave ends and the reality of working full days sets in. The sheer volume of advice and judgment faced by new moms can be overwhelming, leaving them to wonder how they are expected to manage it all. The frequency with which new mothers receive such advice is astonishing, and it often leaves them feeling inadequate and stressed. It is as if society, along with social media, continuously piles on more expectations at a time when new moms are already navigating the complexities of motherhood. However, it is crucial to understand that it does not have to be this way. There are ways to navigate this overwhelming journey without succumbing to the pressures of societal expectations.

One of the most effective strategies is to learn how to drown out the noise of external pressures. This is not an easy feat, especially in the age of social media where platforms like TikTok and Instagram constantly showcase images and videos of seemingly perfect mothers who appear to have everything under control. It is essential to remember that social media often serves as a highlight reel, showcasing only the best moments and curated images. Even when I look back at my own posts, I realize that I tend to share only those moments that capture my family in their cutest outfits or in the best lighting. This selective sharing can lead to a distorted perception of reality, making it easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, it is vital to lean on each other during this transformative and often challenging season of life. Motherhood is undoubtedly hard, but we have the power to make it even harder if we allow negative influences to permeate our lives.

Here are some practical suggestions to help mitigate these pressures:

1. **Unfollow**: Take a moment to curate your social media feed. Unfollow any profiles that induce feelings of stress, anxiety, or inadequacy. Surround yourself with positive influences that uplift and inspire you rather than drain your energy.

2. **Remind Yourself**: Keep in mind that "this too shall pass." Difficult days are inevitable, but they are often fleeting. The good moments will outweigh the challenging ones, and it’s important to hold onto that perspective during tough times.

3. **Find Your Village**: Seek out your support network and lean on them. New mothers often take on too much responsibility alone, but utilizing the support of friends, family, or community can lighten the load. Having a village to turn to can provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of camaraderie that is invaluable during this new chapter of life. By implementing these strategies, new mothers can navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater ease and less pressure, fostering a more positive and supportive environment for themselves and their families.

With the new year approaching, implement the changes that will make 2025 your best year ever!

With all my love,

Alexa ♥