Boston Newborn Care Salute to New Moms comes in many forms. Most of the moms I speak to are looking for some support for when the baby is born. Be it overnight help, lactation support or just general training for a grandparent, their care provider or themselves.

I hear the angst in their voice. Birth plan, epidural or no meds; room in or nursery; car seat, stroller, breastfeeding, formula, bottles, pacifiers, swaddle, crib…

I feel so badly for new moms these days. There is a saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know until you don’t know it”.

Boston Newborn Care Salute to New Moms

It’s really not until now that moms worry that not knowing something is this important. The stakes are high. “This isn’t my dry-cleaning I’m looking for help with” a friend used to say to me. It’s a person, a totally incapable helpless one that I am completely responsible for. It isn’t until you have a second or third child that you realize the agony of not knowing something isn’t that big of a deal.

The 5-second rule vs. shrink wrapping and boiling the paci that fell to the floor, using the breast milk that has been out for 6 hours vs. tossing it, skipping a pumping session.. on and on and on.

But take all of these things and try to figure them out at once, all while not feeling well, not looking your best, being sleep deprived with a parade of strangers in your midst.

It’s a big deal. Boston Newborn Care Salute to New Moms

The other day I heard first hand a mom who was so worried about being pressured to breastfeed from the nurses at the hospital. She “heard” that at this particular hospital, it is customary for the nurses to not listen to you but to force you to breastfeed.

This mom really wasn’t leaning toward it. She wanted to be more comfortable making the decision as things progressed. She liked having an ‘out’ if she wanted it.

I tell all of my moms that I want them to be the parent they want to be. I want them, as unknowing and unprepared, as they are to figure it out. I’ll tell then that whatever they decide, I have probably supported a mom with similar feelings and will work with them to let it happen organically. In their terms. Well figure it out together if need be.

Boston Newborn Care Salute to New Moms. There are 4 roles in his scenario.

Baby, Parent,Doctor, Supporter

Pick one; the other roles are taken. And, learn your position.

Society, Facebook, every little thought and event being pictured and documented, commented on and discussed has created this angst I speak of.

So on this day after mothers day, I salute you new moms and empower you to make the choices that work for you.

Unless of course they are a tiny bit dangerous, then well have to chat.

Promise, I’ll be nice!