by Christy Cuellar-Wentz
Our world is changing faster than ever. Disastrous weather, home mortgage crises and a plunging stock market have brought increasing instability to our homes. Pregnant and postpartum new mothers who are already dealing with massive fluctuations in hormones and brain chemistry are among the most at-risk during difficult times. The external world conflicts with their strong internal drive to create a safe “nest” for their babies.

Creating a stable home environment may be the “impossible dream” during rapidly changing world events. Parents may find themselves overwhelmed and underprepared, wanting to do right by their families but struggling to find the resources to do so. Babies and young children are acutely sensitive to the stress level in parents. Helping mothers and fathers find some mental and physical relief can provide a more secure, calming environment for the developing minds and bodies of their children. Here’s what to do:

1. Focus on the moment. There may be a hundred problems that you need to cope with. You cannot possibly tend to them all at once. Just focus on one at a time. Most importantly, check if you and your family are safe for now. If not, ask yourself what you need to do to assure the most basic needs are met, and follow through. If you are safe, even for the night, breathe and allow a moment of gratitude for even the smallest blessings.

2. Be Honest. Ignoring your emotions or hiding your feelings can work against you. Whether you are mad, sad, glad, scared or some confusing combination of these, please know that it is O.K. for you to feel whatever is going on inside.

3. Make a Connection. You may not know it yet, but you are in good company. Reaching out to others and sharing your story can bring healing and comfort. Sometimes this is possible face to face, but other options are available. Consider connecting with an online support group. Knowing that just a single person or small group cares about you, even if they are long distance, can provide strength for you to carry on.

4. Nurture Your Senses. What do you love? Sights, smells, sounds, tastes and touch all have the capacity to nurture our spirits. At a time when indulgences may seem impossible, you can nourish yourself by paying attention to the smallest treats. Ask yourself what you love to taste, touch, smell, see and hear. Think of ways to do two or more at a time and really focus on them. Some of the best ones are completely free. Really tasting a meal, noticing the colors in the world around you, feeling the warmth of your child’s skin, hearing the sound of a loved one’s voice can sustain you through some of the most difficult times. Strive to indulge each of your senses in some small way each day.

5. Cover the Essentials. Eating, sleeping, breathing and drinking water may not seem significant, but they are. Attending to these essentials each day will provide you with the energy to make it through to smoother times.

6. Ask for Help. You do not need to prove your competence by trying to do everything alone. People may not realize you need help unless you let them know. Don’t let pride or shame get in the way. Whether you need help with housing, food, finding information, a safe person to talk to, a little time for yourself away from your baby or some extra sleep, give yourself permission to ask. Asking doesn’t guarantee you will receive the help you need, but it will dramatically increase your chances. – 2274

About the Author:
Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. is a writer and mental health professional dedicated to providing support for the unique demands of new motherhood. Explore  resources for new parents, and current information at the Mommy-Muse website and  blog.

***Stress relief is just moments away at Chi For Yourself- click on Minute Meditation.