New mother’s anxieties and fears: answers the psychotherapist
Dear doctor, I am the mother of a splendid baby girl, for only 7 days I have been happy but sometimes I find myself thinking that something bad could happen to him … even stupid things like for example today my husband caught gastroenteritis and I started crying in a panic because I’m scared for my little girl…I don’t know what to do help me.
Thanks 1000
Dear reader,
First of all congratulations on your beautiful daughter.
Becoming a mother is an immense joy which, however, can also awaken strong fears. I would like to reassure you of your anxiety and concern for the health of your baby.
When you become a parent you become responsible for another person’s life in every way. The newborn is completely dependent on us and this can trigger anxiety and question our personal safety. However, anxiety is not a completely negative aspect as it allows you to maintain a high level of attention and respond promptly to the child’s needs. So I would say that there is a healthy concern if it allows us to take care of a new life.
Surely she feels overwhelmed by panic right now but she will see that, with time and with the awareness of her abilities as a mother, these feelings will become less. What I strongly recommend about her is to always express her emotions with those close to her and to compare herself with other new mothers who can be a source of precious sharing in this moment of her life.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.