I’m a mum…now what?

Aside from meeting the physical needs of her new baby, one of the main roles of a new mother is to “hold” her baby emotionally.

Local clinical psychologist Kerry Roberts said babies typically need their mums to soothe them, as they cannot soothe themselves.

“As a mum you must help your baby to process his or her emotions and interpret the stimuli from the environment. It is all about ‘holding’ the emotional needs of your baby, calming them down when they are overwhelmed because they are unable to tell you what they need.”

Roberts said this may be difficult for a new mother, who may already be overwhelmed with the birth process and her new baby.

“Your role is to figure out what baby needs and try your best to give it to him or her. The best thing to do is take it slowly and learn with your baby.”

Roberts will be speaking about this and other related topics at the Alberlito Hospital training room on Thursday, March 27 from 10am to 12pm.

The talk, held in partnership with the Stork’s Nest Clinic, is open to mothers who have had babies in the last year and will focus on how motherhood shapes and changes a woman and how to better understand these changes.

The talk also looks at the importance of the relationship between mum (or an alternative caregiver) and baby in the first year of life, and how to nurture that relationship. Roberts will also discuss post natal depression and how to find help.

Fathers are also welcome!

To book contact Pria at the Stork’s Nest Clinic on 032-946 6700.