Motherhood is an exceptional experience – full of love, joy, wonder, and of course, worry. Most mamas will agree that we have something to think about, every day of our lives. This is not a bad thing: we worry because we care. Here are 5 concerns of every mama while raising their little ones.
1.) Baby’s safety and development during pregnancy
Every pregnancy is different so whether you’re a first-time mama or a mama trying to conceive her 4th child, pregnancy will always be unpredictable. Is my baby growing well? What food can I or should not eat? What medications are safe to take? Will you be able to carry the baby full term, am I at risk of premature labor? Will it be a Cesarean or normal delivery?
Always refer to the advice of trusted healthcare professionals. Remember, mom and baby safety must never be compromised.
And in case you need a checklist for your postpartum checkup, these questions will come in handy: What to ask at your 6-week postpartum checkup
2.) Baby’s Development
Ah, worrying doesn’t ever stop from hereon. Checking if your newborn is breathing properly every hour? At what age should your infant roll over by himself? Is he connecting with coos and making eye contact at 6 months old? Should he crawl before his first solids? Will the baby learn how to walk before turning 1? When will the baby talk, read, or write?
While there are milestone standards set by professionals around the world, every mama must know children have their own pace. Do not compare your children but be aware of any red flags that may be signs of a development delay. Remember: consulting a development pedia (devped) is not something to be ashamed or worried about – think of it as a routine checkup like with any other specialist. Due to lack of devped in the country, setting a schedule will take time so you should have foresight on when you need it.
3.) Is my baby well-fed?
Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, every mama must consult experts when it comes to feeding their babies. Feeling like you don’t have enough milk? Get help from a lactation expert and a breastfeeding advocate pediatrician in your area. (READ: Tried and tested ways to increase your breastmilk supply) If formula works for you, check the best brand as suggested by the baby’s pediatrician.
When your baby reaches toddlerhood and every meal could be met by a resounding “no,” check other mamas how they do it. With your new mama friends, you can get meal plan suggestions, tried and tested tricks (hello cute bento boxes or panda rice!), and reviews on feeding tools that will make (at least most) meals fuss-free.
4.) How much sleep is needed?
Are you one of the few lucky ones who’s got a newborn who immediately sleeps through the night? Good for you. But for mamas all over the world, a good night’s sleep is hard to come by for mother and baby. To ensure your newborn is getting quality sleep, feed on demand (breastfeeding) or on schedule (formula), start a routine, anticipate diaper changes, and monitor the bedroom’s temperature– not too hot or not too cold. Use night lamps to help them find their circadian or sleep rhythm.
When it comes to toddlers who seemingly have the highest energy reserves during bedtime, find an activity that helps them slow down – story time, light shows, among others.
Are you worried that your children are not getting enough sleep because they’ve skipped naps? Check out the recommended number of hours by the US Sleep Foundation:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours a day
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours a day
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11- 14 hours a day
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours a day
- Schoolage children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours a day
- Teens: (14-17): 8-10 hours a day
You have teens having a hard time sleeping combined with isolation? Check out for signs of serotonin imbalance, anxiety, or depression. When in doubt, immediately find sleep and mental health professionals. And cut that screen time.
5.) Skin woes
Is that a newborn rash or infantile pimple? Are those rashes caused by heat or is it some form of measles already? Is your teen having an acne breakout or does she have any other underlying diseases? No matter the age of your children, you need to always be on the lookout for answers. And all these can’t be resolved by Google search. Sure, you may have mama instincts, but it’s always best to consult professionals.
Finding your very own community
All these worrying topics are valid. And when they say it takes a village to raise a child, we now know: you need more than just yourself to solve all these issues. You need to be in a safe community of like-minded mamas who can give valuable advice, plus professionals who are experts in their respective fields.
The great thing is, at Edamama Connect, every mama can find not just a friend– there are also experts who are ready to lend a helping hand. Under Edamama connect, mamas can find another mom with a similar experience, and at best, get answers from real professionals. From pregnancy cravings to preparing for birth; breastfeeding to solid meals, mealtimes, playdates, learning strategies, legitimate product recommendations, party ideas, among others – every mama is welcome to share her thoughts or ask for advice.
We can’t wait to see you onboard at Edamama Connect, available soon in the Edamama app!
