5 emotional stages of a mother when her baby falls down
Creative writing,  Daughter,  Motherhood

5 emotional stages of a mother when her baby falls down

November 17, 2016 /

As a first time mother, one of the most nerve wrecking situation is when your baby has an unfortunate fall or a bump on the head. How ever careful you are, it does happen often, especially when they have just started learning how to crawl or walk. Even if you are a calm person otherwise, seeing your child fall forms a lump in your heart.

This article outlines the flurry of emotions a mother feels and poke humour at how she often (over) reacts.

Panic:

My lord. The nerves until the tip of your fingers are tingling and there is a minute or two when you cannot make a positive thought process. There is complete mayhem in the inner crevices of your brain. This phase
lasts for a very short duration but there is complete lack of mental control of oneself.

Action:

Quick thinking and common sense prevails. You immediately pick the baby up and do the necessary first aid. You also comfort and reassure the child that it is alright. Also nurse the child where applicable. In case of more serious incident, you usually call some one for help or go to ER. In short, help is sought and necessary medicines or treatment given. The duration of this phase depends on the severity of the situation.  This phase often overlaps with the next few phases.

Fear:

 What if something severe has happened? There is constant monitoring of the baby by the mother. Did the baby just vomit? Why is she not smiling? Why is he sleeping longer today? Why is she not eating today? Is it due to the fall? You get scared at the slightest off reaction from the child. This phase lasts for an hour or so until the baby start playing normally or turns to his usual terrible two routine.

Self-doubt:

I am not a good mother. It was my fault. I was busy looking at my phone. I am not fit for motherhood. Constantly badgering yourself with negative talk of your abilities as a mother. This is by far the hardest phase to get through. You often need help or reassurance from your spouse or friend.

Acceptance:

That falling down, bumps and hits are a common part of childhood. Do you remember every fall you encountered as a child? There is a folklore among elders that children are often protected by angels. As long as there are no fractures, burns, deep cuts and other serious injuries, bumps and hits are an inevitable part of childhood. Acceptance settles and the mother’s mind is calm until the next fall!

What was your scariest parenting moment?

 

Related reading :

Kübler–Ross model of Grief

First-aid after a fall

 

5 emoitonal stages of a mother when her baby falls down

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