By Analisse Ortiz, Office Manager, CGCC
Raising my daughter Charlie, who just turned two, has been and will continue to be the most rewarding experience of my life. For me, becoming a mother was like stepping into a whole new world filled with wonder, gratitude, immense joy and fierce love. However, other emotions like overwhelm, exhaustion, guilt and anxiety also crept in.
While I generally try to maintain a positive outlook on things, I also felt a constant concern (or to be frank, an obsession) with trying to be the best mom I can be. The weight of responsibility coupled with my inexperience in parenting amplified the fear I felt about making mistakes.
As I navigated the challenges of parenting, I eventually realized that I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Here are a few ways I managed my anxiety with grace and resilience.
Understanding my emotions:
Parental anxiety is a natural response to the immense responsibility of caring for a newborn. I worried about Charlie getting sick, issues with feeding, not meeting milestones on time and questioning whether I was doing enough for my baby. While I knew my feelings were valid, I was determined to not let them control my journey. Recognizing my triggers was the first step toward managing my anxiety.
Educating myself (without overdoing it):
Knowledge is power and can ease anxiety, but too much information can be paralyzing. I stuck to reliable sources like our pediatrician and trusted baby books. I focused on one topic at a time (feeding, sleep training, weaning off the pacifier, etc). I also stopped second guessing my instincts and learned to trust my gut.
Building my village:
Fortunately, I do not have to do this alone. I created a support system to help ease the load and keep my sanity. My husband and I share responsibilities and support each other. Family members stepped up (and still are) by helping me with meals, babysitting or just a listening ear. My friends share their parenting experiences with me, reassuring me that most of the things I worry about are just a phase and this, too, shall pass.
Prioritizing self-care:
From day one I knew my life would never be the same and resigned to the thought that it wasn’t about me anymore. Boy, was I wrong! Taking care of myself – whether it’s a hot shower, a walk alone, watching my favorite shows, or therapy – helps me be a better mom. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so sleeping well, eating well and taking breaks is not selfish, it’s essential.
Embracing Imperfection:
There is no perfect way to parent. Mistakes are just a part of the learning process so giving myself permission to make mistakes was so important. I always try to keep in mind that I am showing up for my baby by doing the best I can, and that’s what matters most.
Parenting with purpose:
I asked myself: What type of person do I want my child to become? Kind? Resilient? Honest? Empathetic? Defining my core values has helped me shape the kind of role model I want to be. Leading by example, slowing down and being present, creating meaningful routines, and responding instead of reacting are examples of how I have and will continue to parent with purpose.
These past two years have been filled with highs and lows, and feeling anxious is just a normal part of parenting. By implementing strategies, I can create a healthier, more balanced approach to raising my baby. I learned that being a good mom doesn’t mean being perfect, it means being present. Making room for grace and staying grounded in love, growth and intention is how I believe I will parent with purpose.
To all the new mommies out there like me: You’ve got this!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We have to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” Tim Elmore
