Social Support Is Essential for First-Time Mothers

Most first-time mothers say that isolation is one of the big
challenges of caring for a newborn. It is easy to stay home and become
isolated as it can feel quite challenging to get out with a baby.
(Some mothers feel embarrassed when a baby is crying in public and
can't wait to go back home). Feeding, changing, bathing and settling
the baby are all new tasks a first-time mother needs to learn to
perform. Not having somebody around at home a mother may not be sure
if she is doing things the right way when caring for the baby. Also a
new mother needs to find time to take care of her own needs. Problems
may arise if a mother is isolated and does not get social support. For
example, a mother may develop a postpartum depression and it may go
unnoticed, posing a risk to herself and her baby. Or a baby may not
reach important developmental milestones for some reason; the a baby's
condition may get worse as time passes without anybody around to point
it out and recommend appropriate professional intervention. Family,
friends and professionals, like doctors and nurses, midwives,
lactation specialists, trained coaches and support groups should be
there for the mother from the day the baby is born and especially
throughout the baby's first year (and even earlier, during
pregnancy).Family and friends can give emotional and hands-on support
to the first-time mother. Immediate family and some friends can be
there for the mother 24/7, especially during the first several weeks
after delivery of the baby. A woman's mother or sister can help her
feed and change a baby, especially if a mother decides to go to work
full or part-time shortly after delivery. A husband/partner can go
shopping for groceries and diapers. A friend can take the baby for a
stroll in the neighborhood if the mother needs a break to do
something. Each family tries to figure out what works for their baby
and themselves. Family and friends can remind the mother to make
appointments with a pediatrician for regular checkups.Specialists,
like pediatricians and nurses, midwives, lactation specialists and
trained coaches provide mostly informational support. They assess the
baby's health and recommend a treatment if the baby needs it. Some
states, like New Mexico have programs like the First Born program
where a trained coach pays home visits. One First Born coach has said,
"The voluntary program offers all first-time families of newborns
(including adopting parents) the opportunity for free home visits by a
trained coach who provides them with information, support and
encouragement as they deal with the joys and challenges of
parenthood." This is a great program for first-time mothers who live
far from their families and have no friends around.It is essential for
the mother to find support groups where women support each other to
clarify challenging areas in parenting and in life in general. It is
quite an accomplishment to get to the first meeting and is not to be
underestimated. The group is a safe place to practice feeding and the
handling of crying in public. Mothers in groups like La Leche League
share helpful tips and information between each other, answer
questions and clarify doubts. It is important for the mother to spend
some time outside the home in a group with other mothers who can
understand and support her.Without the social support it would be very
difficult for the mother to take care of her baby and herself. Being
isolated, she would struggle and have problems. Family, friends,
professionals and support groups form a social support circle that
helps a first-time mother so she can enjoy and delight in her new
baby.