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Your Postpartum Image
How to Love the "New" You
By Katherine Bontrager
But being patient is a challenge, especially when your emotions seem to belong to some other woman – one who is exhausted, moody and on edge. "A two-to three-week (postpartum) period of tearfulness, irritability, moodiness and emotional sensitivity is normal and common," says Howard. "Seeking extra support, reassurance and education from family, friends, books, new moms groups and hospital health education programs can be very helpful. For the longer term, teaming up with other moms, both new and experienced, can be of tremendous benefit in navigating new motherhood. Talking and sharing feelings with others is also vital. If the feelings or emotions become overwhelming or interfere in day-to-day functioning and/or result in increased social isolation, then it's time to seek a professional consultation."
"Taking on the role of mother is a huge transition and one that doesn't happen automatically, no matter what the TV shows portray," says Howard. "This is a role, or more accurately, an identity, that coalesces over time. After the initial postpartum weeks, it's important for a new mom to begin to spend time away from the baby, go out with friends, to a bookstore, shopping, read books other than baby books, out for lunch or dinner ... essentially anything or any activity that she used to engage in and enjoy pre-baby. Simultaneously, she can begin to include Baby in some of the outings."
This is just what LaDuke Williams has done, from the simplest pleasures of taking a bath with her beautiful girls or incorporating them into her life outside the home. "It's been a slow process, but over time and with each day, I feel more like I did before I became pregnant," she says. "I won't say that I'm the same, because I'm not, and never will be. But I'm learning how to live life as a mother while keeping a handle on what I'm all about."
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