trust your gut

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | April 16, 2009

We asked Sarah Juliusson from Mama Renew – a mum, childbirth educator and doula – for some tips on trusting your intuition as a new mum.

Having a baby, while a joy, involves a lot of decisions.  Where and how will we birth?  Cloth, disposable or diaper service?  Crib, bassinet, family bed, or all of the above?  Which car seat is safest?

We seek input from friends, family, professionals, the internet, books and more as we navigate the new terrain of parenthood.  The way we approach questions and the answers we find help shape our parenting and family values.

Whatever else may be confusing, the sense of responsibility you have to your baby is clear. So how do you know if you are making the “right” decision?  It is particularly difficult when others have a different idea of what is best for baby.   In our exclusive interview with Peggy O’Mara, editor of Mothering Magazine, she shared, “At first you’re not sure – is this my instinct?  Some idea I’ve got? ”

Our intuition is sometimes an immediate knowing and sometimes it builds over time. How do you feel when you know something is right?  Most of us experience a physical response when we feel resonance with our core intuition -  a “gut sense.”  Where do you feel that place of knowing in your body?

In our Mothers Unfolding Groups new mothers often explore the art of balancing others opinions with intuition.  Remember that our children may also serve as a guide in decision-making.  Listen to your heart, listen to your child, to experts, friends and family.  Then listen again to your child.  Then decide what feels right to you, for both of you.

Over time, decisions that seemed so crucial will become mere stepping stones.  Family and friends who may have disagreed will change as they witness your child thriving.  Along the way, seek friends old and new who will support you not with the best advice, but rather a listening ear and keen questions to support you as you find your own way.

Mama Renew offers a Mothers Unfolding group for insightful exploration of life with baby – identity, intuition, relationship changes, community and more.   While seasoned mothers with older children can join a Mama Renew group to reclaim, reconnect and rebalance.  Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more, or check out their blog for guidance through motherhood.