Take Time for Yourself (Nine Months)

Taking care of a baby often creates stress. You may feel stressed without knowing it. Here are a few common symptoms:

• Anxiety. You may worry about the baby, your marriage, money, work or school. You may feel guilty for not doing better.
• Confusion. You may forget things, like where you put your keys. You may run late. You may feel that you just can’t
  handle anything.
• Anger. You may lose your temper easily. You may snap at people.
• Sleeplessness. You may not be able to sleep well at night. Or you may have nightmares.
• Fatigue. You may feel tired a lot. Or you may not feel like doing things you normally enjoy. You may cry easily.
• Physical problems. You may have neck or back pain, headaches or stomach aches.

If any of this is happening to you, check with your doctor. Make sure there is no other reason for you to feel as you do.

Find ways to cope with stress. Here are some ideas:

• Talk to friends and other parents. Sharing your feelings may help reduce stress.
• Write down all the things that worry you. Making a list may help you think more clearly. Work on one thing at a time.
• Ask for help. Ask your partner to shop for groceries. Ask a nurse about relaxation exercises. Talk to a school counselor or religious advisor.
• Exercise. Take a walk. Push the baby in a stroller. Dance to music on the radio.
• Nap when your baby does. Darken the room. Turn off the telephone. Play soft music.
• Take a break. Ask someone you trust to keep your baby for an hour or two. Go window-shopping at the mall. Find a book at the public library. Visit a friend

Quick stress busters

• Breathe deeply. Close your eyes.
• Tighten your muscles. Then relax them.
• Stand up and stretch.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Nine-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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