Social isolation is nothing new for new mothers they know all about it. How does it feel for you? Do you know that you still have more choice than a newborn mother at this moment? You probably get more sleep too now, you are not leaking (I won't go into details) and you don't feel as insecure as her. Yes, I can imagine how insecure you might feel now, it's still not the same.
If you are reading this and you are sick and in isolation or imagine that you are, what is it that you want? Would you like someone to take care of you? Would you like someone to make you comfortable and let you know that you are not alone? Would you like someone to talk you and to ask if you are doing the right thing? Would you like someone to tell you to drink water because it's better for you, to make you a fruit salad to make you stronger or to just put their hand on your forehead to see how ok you are? Does that sound nice? I can imagine because it is. It is very nice when someone is there to take care of you. Someone who cares whether you are ok or not.
This is exactly why taking care of newborn mothers is so important. They are the worst supported people in their most vulnerable moment in life. This is a good time to reflect on how we are and how we need to support newborn mothers in the twenty first century. There is no village anymore, there are no neighbours that look out for them anymore and their family doctor, he barely knows their name. What can we do to change this?
Remember that we are the change. Everyone one is. We all have a role in this. What can you do to change this?
Blog by Anna Harreveld for Queensland Cradle Care
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