I had to train myself to take him out and not freak out. I started with short trips, and VERY slowly increased them to longer trips. I felt less stressed and anxious when I went out with my partner too, but I needed to get out while he was at work as well, for my own mental wellbeing.
I slowly gained more confidence, knowing that I CAN settle my son if I need to.
I replaced anxious thoughts with positive, optimistic ones – choosing to believe those instead.
I learned to roll with whatever happened (OK, I’m still learning!). I told myself that other people aren’t judging me – and if they are – who cares! They don’t know me, or my baby, so their opinions do not matter.
Anxiety is tough, it can sneak up on you when you least expect it. If you are experiencing anxiety right now, be gentle with yourself, and know that you can get past this. You got this, Mama.
Sarah Noble is a Mindset and Mindfulness Speaker, Writer and Mentor, and an Accredited Mindfulness Teacher. She specialises in helping first-time mums optimise their mental health, so they can navigate motherhood with confidence and clarity. She lives in Dunedin with her partner and son, Dylan, who is 11 months old. She loves vegetables, rock music, nature, travel and swearing.
You can find Sarah on Instagram and Facebook
