mothers
April 27, 2024
Minutes To Read: 5

5 Fears First-Time Parents Have

The arrival of a baby, however joyful it may be, is also accompanied by fear, insecurity, and sometimes much paranoia. No matter how much parents study and learn about it, you can't help feeling certain fears when you're having the experience of having a child for the first time.

Fear is part of life, says Gerando Saúde psychologist Katia Aparecida Sebastião Sanchez, and all individuals feel in some way:? Fear is related to each other's life history, what parents went through in their childhood. can it bring a fear that your child may be in the same situation?

Don't worry, it's more than normal to be insecure when going through a first pregnancy. The best way to avoid despair is even with a lot of truly specialized information. Since the pregnancy was announced, parents have been bombarded with information and advice, many false ones, and some dark stories. Always seek reliable references when in doubt.

"Information has two facets: the lack of it can bring insecurity for the unknown and the excess can also cause fear for the differences that are found, parents are confused because they often do not know what to believe," adds Dr. Katia.

Fears and paranoia affect almost every parent. Even if they are more than enlightened, certain subjects can only be learned through experience. To alleviate and not let fears dominate your life, check out a list of some of the most common fears among first-time parents:

1. Will I be able to raise and raise a baby?

This is a very common fear and usually comes along with the news of pregnancy. The psychologist Katia Aparecida considers that the forty weeks of development of the baby in the mother's belly is precisely an ideal time for parents, and especially the mother, to prepare to receive the baby.

• Talking about feelings and fantasies about the new phase you are living in can help the couple develop internal resources to deal with this fear. Only in daily life do parents develop in their new roles and will learn to educate their child. They need to learn to get rid of guilt because no one is perfect and parents will have their faults, but can learn from them ?, he explains.

2. Fear of child not being well fed

Breastfeeding is not that easy for all women. While some succeed on the first try, it is also very common that some problems occur for breastfeeding to get the hang of it. Working well or poorly, it is almost impossible for parents not to worry about feeding their children. Feedings are measured by time, which makes it impossible to be sure of the amount ingested. Even when the baby feeds on supplements, the fear of sufficient nutrition remains.

The most common indication is for the baby to visit the pediatrician regularly for at least the first six months. These consultations will serve to measure the baby's growth and also to guide parents on how best to feed the child. Also, don't believe it if someone says your milk is weak. No milk is weak, it will only be important to check the breastfeeding routine to see if they are satisfactory.

3. Fear of childbirth

All couples and especially women fear childbirth. It implies a choice and involves birth and death. The death of the daughter who becomes a mother, and two births: the baby's and the mother's. It is a milestone in a series of changes in women's lives. It is the most intense and transforming moment in your life, a fear of dying, the loss of the baby, the life as it was, the self and also the gain of a child and the new life that will come with him. It is a unique experience, thousands of thoughts, fantasies and feelings at the same time.

Also read: 10 Things You Don't Want To Hear From Your Doctor During Childbirth

According to Katia, it is necessary that the woman can also prepare for childbirth by seeking information, groups and courses for pregnant women, psychotherapy or even a psychological prenatal. "If the woman is aware of the whole pregnancy-puerperal cycle, everything can be easier, and yet we cannot say that she will not be afraid, but she will certainly know how to deal with it."

4. Fear of not being able to breastfeed

This fear can also be worked from the search for information, courses and groups of pregnant women.It is important for the woman to make a conscious choice to breastfeed and not just because she believes it is important to her child. Breastfeeding will require patience, persistence, dedication and time, so the mother must be willing, not instant as it may seem, is a learning ?, comments psychologist Katia Aparecida.

5. Fear of baby getting sick and not waking up at night

Especially when parents are first-timers, the fear that their baby will be sick or die suddenly is more than common. Every pregnant woman has heard of Sudden Death Syndrome and fears that her baby may be hit. This fear is what makes parents worry all the time to check to see if the baby is breathing. Who has never gone through this or heard this story?

Fear is common due to the characteristic insecurity that accompanies recent parents during the early months of the baby. The best way to reassure yourself about this is by talking to the pediatrician and clearing up all your doubts, as insignificant as they may seem. Although the exact causes are not known, some precautions have radically reduced the number of sudden deaths, such as putting the baby to sleep on his back, avoiding smoke or blankets that could cause a choking hazard. Consult the pediatrician.

How can parents try to calm down at these fears?

The indication is from the psychologist Katia Aparecida, from Gerando Saúde: “I believe that self-knowledge makes all the difference. Searching for information is always very important, but a filter is also needed, which works for one, will not necessarily work for someone else. Whenever fear escapes the individual's control or when it harms some aspect of their life it is important to seek professional help, in this case a psychologist.

Read also: Pregnant Essay: Tips and Inspirations for Amazing Photos

Keeping prenatal care and being accompanied by good professionals, not only during pregnancy but also in the early years of the baby, is the key to making the period as smooth as possible. Family unity and understanding are also very important factors in reducing insecurity.

Try not to feed some fears that do not show evidence, but of course, keeping your attention on your baby. If everything is going smoothly, there is no reason to miss such significant moments with unfounded fears. Information will be your best ally.