i am a new mom and still don't know what to do!
By kayedanda
@kayedanda (1850)
Philippines
August 6, 2008 9:48am CST
my daughter is only three months old ( see my photos for her pic) and every time she doesn't feel well I panic. I realize now that it's true when they say that no amount of preparation can prepare you for anything like parenthood. just today, we went to the health center to have her monthly immunization and as expected, she had a fever (the doc says this is a sign that the shot is effective). every time she cries out as if in pain my heart goes out to her. if only i could transfer all of her pain to me i would've readily done so, but all i can do is hug her tight and soothe her till her crying subsides. does anyone here feel also panicky about being a mom? i don't know how i could be a better mom to my baby.
2 people like this
25 responses
@rosey2006 (945)
• United States
7 Aug 08
The feeling you have is very normal. As a mom of a 2 year old I know how you feel. It is to bad that we cannot take the pain for our children, but then I guess they would have a hard time with life. Congrats on your new baby and hang in there!!!
@ayessa (1583)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
We're on the same boat! And I can just suggest that make more time for her and always watch her. Being a mom is really tough and its all hardwork. It is really hard to know what our baby wants and needs cause they can't talk to us the only communication they knew is crying or laughing so better see/watch her always.
@ayessa (1583)
• Philippines
8 Aug 08
That's was good that you are always at her side. From what I know baby cries when they feel something. You may try giving her milk or water if she don't want that try to check her diaper it might be full and needs change. Also check if she has a colic. Colic also makes baby cry. They also cry when they are feeling cold or hot. Sometimes they did not feel well though this is something hard to tell.
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
i am a mom working from home and i have the opportunity to always watch her. as of this time, i still can't tell what her cries mean, but as all others like you have implied, i will do better at it in time :)
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
8 Aug 08
thanks for complimenting svet ^^ and thanks for adding me as a friend:)
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
21 Aug 08
I remember when I had my first baby. Everything was so new and scary. I cried just as much as she did, but we got there in the end.
You see, I had to learn to trust in my own instincts. Once I was able to, things began to go a lot smoother.
Think of her having her needles as protecting her from the nasty viruses etc that she could get if she didn't have the needles. We do what we can to protect our children, and immunisations are just part of that protection. She will forgive you because you are her mummy.
I'm now looking after my 5 children, and with the youngest not even 2 weeks old, I still have panic moments. I just remind myself that I already know what I have to do and then find the easiest way to do it.
You want to be a better mum to your baby? You are already the best mum in the world for your daughter, and I hope she knows how special she really is.
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
21 Aug 08
aaww.. that is so sweet! thank you so much for posting that :)
@marcroswell (473)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
I had the same feeling when my son was still a baby. I think, it's but natural for moms to feel that way. Everytime my son cried coz of pain I can also feel the pain. I was always worried coz I never knew what's hurting him if babies could only convey their messages in words, it would have been better. But it's not. If you really don't know what to do on certain things regarding your baby, it would be best if you ask somebody who knows more about it. Like the old ones, your parents or doctors. It's very essential to have assistance that can guid you all the way. Righ now, my son is already 2 yrs and 8months old and if he's not feeling well, I am still panicky.
@marcroswell (473)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
Oh yeah, mom know's best. Even if the baby is not yet speaking in some ways, mother could understand what and how they feel.
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
wow. and i thought after a year we are already supposed to get the hang of things. anyways, your response just goes to show that parenthood is a lifetime learning process. we learn, and our child/children learn with us. yeah, sometimes i talk to svet and tell her to hurry up and learn how to speak so that i can easily understand what she's feeling. anyways, i guess all moms have to learn how to understand without the words in between, right?
@swennerholm (664)
• Sweden
7 Aug 08
Im not a mom yet but i haved a baby sitter many times with my neice and nephews.When the baby felt hurt and crying just dont go panic try to find ways so that she/he stop crying or feel hurt.I think you really dont need advice,coz I know you can be a good mom to your cute baby.and also evry mom in the world will do for there babies.
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
6 Aug 08
Sounds like to me you are doing everything right. Babies can only cry when they need or want something and when they get shots it is harder, been there with 8 kids so far. Hugging and holding her is exactly what she needs, to know that you are there. I know that it isnt alot of comfort when you hear your baby crying in discomfort but it is all we can do at times.
Later you will be able to tell what each cry is for if you havent already figured it out and that will make it a little easier. There is the gas relief that you can buy if she cries all the time after eating, it works!
Anyways you are doing it all right and it will even get better, well until they hit the pre-teens .. lol
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
8! wow! i hope i can be as good a mom as you. *crosses fingers* well she doesn't cry ALL the time, just when she's in pain. i can proudly say that my little girl is an angel. she hardly cries, in fact. she smiles and coos often, which is why i lose track of time when i talk to her! ^^
@jammyt (2818)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
Awww, hugs to you! Your baby looks adorable. Don't worry, I think every parent s like that for their first baby. I have a two year old daughter and when she does not feel well, I panic. HOWEVER, I don't show people that I'm panicky because the baby feels it. If the mom panics, the baby will also feel scared.
So lesson for you, be strong for your baby. Simple things. When she has her booster shot, hug her tightly and try to soothe her. Tell her she's so brave and it's okay. Mommy's with her and the pain will go away at once.
You'll get the hang of it.
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
i dearly hope so jammy. anyways, i really appreciate the advice and i will surely try not to show panic, lest my baby feels more scared than she is in the first place.
@jaypeemanuel (1005)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
Just do what you believe is best for your child, there is nothing that can keep you from being a great mom.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
6 Aug 08
First of all, her pictures are adorable. Congrats on your new little jewel!
Next, take a deep breath. You are doing great and will be a wonderful mommy for your little girl. The feelings you are having are normal. It won't help you or her to panic. You have to tune into your mother's instincts because they never fail you. But you have to be taking care of yourself in order to be intune with yourself.
You are on the greatest journey of your life. Enjoy every moment of it because they grow up so fast.
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
i know! now, she can turn on her sides when a a few weeks ago she cannot even move her head! haha! anyways, thanks for the great advice. ill keep in mind that i shouldnt feel panicky everytime. ^^
@youless (112496)
• Guangzhou, China
7 Aug 08
You have to believe that everything will become better and better. Now your baby is 3 months old and soon she will be 6 years old. And then she can walk and talk soon:) She is already doing much more better when she was born, isn't she?:) I experienced the same like you, now my son is already 4 years old and he went to the kindergarten already.
I love China
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
yes, she is doing much better. i cannot believe how fast she is growing up! she smiles all the time now and barely cries (not unless she is in pain) which is why i am so proud of my svet! ^^
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
7 Aug 08
Every good mom feels panicky. I think your a great mom. And your baby is so cute!
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
thanks for complimenting my svet! takes after her mom dont you think? haha!
@zeny_zion (1283)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
ive into the same situation before. i was married at 24 gave birth at 25. since, its my first im confused on what to feel. specially at time of delivery. i even didnt know how to labor. hahaha. when my daughter is out i even ask my ob why my daughter is not crying. the next thing i know is i wake up in my room already. when we got home my daughter is sleeping the whole day. so i ask my daughters nanny how can i give her milk shes sleeping the whole time. she told me that the baby will cry if shes hungry. but im not satisfied with the answer. so what i did, i wake her up and give her milk. i bathe her every morning. its like im playing with a doll. hahaha. hard but it made you complete as a woman.
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
8 Aug 08
i gave birth at 24. i also didn't know what to do during that time. hee hee. good thing my mom and paul's (my hubby) mom were there. i passed out after i gave birth so i didn't have the chance to hear her first cry. the next thing i know, i was in my room but i was still groggy. i was also worried when we brought her home that all she did was sleep. i didn't know at the time that babies were supposed to do that, you know, sleep at 8 hours end and just wake up to have her milk. now, she's almost always awake. she likes to play a lot with me and smiles and smiles and smiles. :)
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
i get it from my mom, mostly. and yeah, you're right. practice does make perfect ^^
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
6 Aug 08
nope, being a mother is totally a learning experience and requires on the job training! i remember when my girls were younger and how long it took me to get into the swing of things (it didnt help that i had c sections with both!) hang in there!!!
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
thanks cher! it's good to know a lot of moms in here can relate to what i am going through. thanks, you all!
@kezabelle (2974)
•
6 Aug 08
I found nothing worked better than a good long cuddle and soft words in their ears when they were crying for no reason, that said sometimes they cry just for hearing their own voices dont forget they are learning even now.
As for when they arent well I cope fine with normal coughs colds etc but both my girls have been hospitalised with suspected meningitus and both times I couldnt stop the panic from rising it never stops im afraid but its only because we love them that it scares us so its not really a bad thing.
Your daughter is beautiful I had to add that a real little sweetheart she looks the picture of health so I reckon its safe to say youre doing a fantastic job xxx
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
hee hee. you're the first to comment about svet. and reading that you said she was beautiful, i might pick you as best answer. haha! anyways, thanks for the advice and ill sure keep that in mind. :)
@lyzabelle (1668)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Just by reading your post reminds me when I give birth to
my first baby. God has given me a healthy son. He is everything
to me, my happiness. First time mom is full of hardships. There
are many first thing to do. I was never been prepared for it.
Thanks God my mom was there all the time to support me.
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
i agree with you lyza. moms are the best when it comes to teaching us what to do with our little one. i don't mind the hardships, really. i am just concerned about my baby. anyways, as they say, time teaches you about things that you should know. maybe i'll be a better parent in time :)
@liltunergirl (467)
• Canada
6 Aug 08
LOL, you feel that way always with a new baby. There is nothing you can do to be a better mom. As the child is learning so are you and you are doing the right thing by just soothing her. Give her a little tempra if she has a fever and hold her. When my daughter cried all the time, I didn't know what to do, i tried everything and didn't know why she was crying, then I'd start to cry and i'd call my mom! My daughter is 5 now and it does get easier on knowing what to do but I'm still learing with her. I still don't always know what to do and I turn to my mom for help. You are doing everything you should be doing: feeding her, changing her, cuddling her and making sure she is warm and protected. That's a mom's job. You're doing just fine!
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
well thank you, liltuner. moms are the best, don't you think? i, too, always run to my mom for help when i feel helpless about svet. maybe someday i can be like my mom to svet when she herself already has a child.
@xanraven (145)
• United States
6 Aug 08
You are doing everything right! When babies cry out sometimes that's all they want is the secure feeling of being held especially at a young age. I had my first son at 17. I was terrified. I didn't want to be left alone with him. I was constantly thinking "what if something happens? What will i do" I kept my mom on speed dial. It does get alot easier. You'll learn what the cries mean. Is your daughter on a feeding schedule? That helps alot to know ok I just her at this time. It helps to rule out one thing or another. Give her gas drops if she starts to ball up when she cries. They are not harmful at all. Sometimes babies can tell what mood we are in a moms so just try to breathe in and out and relax. It doesn't sound like much but it does help. Try singing to her when you rock her also. Our voice may not sound like much to us but it's all they know and have heard for nine months. I hope this helps Good Luck and Congratulations!
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
thanks raven! that was really comforting. i feel you are a good mom and have raised good kids. i hope i can be like you! ^^
@plumfrance (88)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
yes, it's quite natural for all new moms to panic. i felt that, too, when i had my first baby 9 years ago. that's why it's ideal to have a good support system--your family, especially your own mother, can guide you. this also forms a special bond between you and your mother because you learn to appreciate what she did for you and how she raised you as you go through motherhood yourself.
just remember to always be there for your baby--emotionally, physically. his welfare should always be your top priority. at this point, you begin to feel less selfish as you think more of your child's well-being.
good luck, new mommy!
1 person likes this
@kayedanda (1850)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
thanks france! you were right when you said that having my own baby helped in forming a special bond with my own mom. see, now i can totally relate to her, how she feels about us (her daughters) and finally understand the sacrifices that a mom makes for her child/children.