Say you rely heavily on accomplishments to reinforce your sense of self-worth, esteem support would be especially gratifying and important to you. This type of support can be lacking for a new mother at home, especially if you are used to working outside the home where your daily accomplishments are obvious and rewarded accordingly. Your new role of motherhood, and its accompanying tasks, will probably prevent you from accomplishing much that is recognizable, leaving you vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy or even failure. You may benefit from contact with people who can admire your abilities as a mother. One aspect of early parenting that receives little recognition is the fact that having a baby changes relationships.
New mothers have little time and energy for anyone but baby.
If you are used to a certain level of intimacy with your partner prior to the birth, you both may be experiencing the shock of emotional isolation which can be devastating in the early weeks postpartum. A supportive partner who will take over infant care periodically, allowing you time away from the baby, to get together with close friends, paves the way for needed emotional support. Access to baby care experts, i.e. a lactation specialist or postnatal educator, or an experienced mother who can mentor you along can provide needed informational support. Confidence does grow and is facilitated by having trustworthy people to reach out to or fall back on when you need them. The types of support you need will depend on your unique situation but remember, as a new mother, even if you are feeling joyous about the new addition to your life, you are experiencing a major life change and it is crucial that you have adequate social support.