New Mom Anger - How to Deal with Everything

New Mom Anger (NMA) or Postpartum Stress Syndrome - an acute state of feeling overwhelmed.

Easily angered or frustrated, high blood pressure, increased heart rate....does this sound like you? Are you a new mom? You could be suffering from Postpartum Stress Syndrome or NMA as I call it! I did some research and this is actually real. It's often mistaken for postpartum depression but has less symptoms. It's simply an anger issue. Sometimes being a new mom comes with many new changes. You're mind and body respond to those changes by signs of stress. There are a few things you can do to deal with stress of being a new mommy. Here are some suggestions:

1. First and foremost, get out of the darn house! Being cooped up inside all day would make anyone angry! Get out for a walk, go to the mall, to the park, corner store, anywhere. It doesn't have to be long either...20mins, half hour, whatever you're comfortable with. This little bit of exercise can do wonders for your emotions as well as your body! I literally walked my butt off and lost 30lbs in just a few months. I enjoy walking and Adriana enjoys people watching and new environments. 
2.  Plan your day or week with little tasks. Don't overwhelm yourself anymore than you already are by setting the bar too high for yourself after the baby comes. Try goals like taking a shower every day (or two) while the baby sleeps, or finishing at least one load of laundry a day. This may seem like a crazy task but with a newborn there's plenty of sleepers, bibs, blankets, etc that need washing. You will eventually get into a good routine with just one or two tasks a day, then build up more as you have the time. 
3. Have a Mommy + Baby date. Every few days I meet up with my friend Erin and her baby boy. This is our time to talk as moms and the babies love it! We go for walks, to the mall, frequent trips to Shoppers Drug Mart or just to Tim Hortons! Whatever it is, its much needed for us to keep sane most days. Most communities have MomGroups or Stroller Parties you can join as well. 
4.  Lower the bar. Remember that you don't need to be a PERFECT mom! You can definitely be a good mom without going crazy, but give yourself time to work that out. Set you standards to where you can make the best of the day without stressing too much over the little things. If you don't vacuum every day - who cares or if you don't do the dishes right after a meal. No one is going to scowl you for it! Focus on the important things - Baby and yourself.
5. Get some ZZzz - When baby sleeps, you sleep. This is the best thing for your recovery after the baby is born and even for several months after. It will also help keep you well rested and your mood up when you are awake. Once you get into a routine, eventually you will not need to have those naps and just go to bed at a decent hour at night! As your newborn sleeps more throughout the night, so can you. It does get better but you have to give it time. Some babies take a few weeks to get on a routine - others months. Patience is a virtue. 
6. Date Night. Plan a night (maybe Friday or Saturday) where its just you and your spouse. You can make reservations for dinner or just grab a movie together - without baby by your side. This will allow you to bond with your spouse and your baby can get used to other family members, or a trusted friend. Date night doesn't have to be every week either. If you're not comfortable leaving your baby that often then try for once a month then. Plan it in advance so you have a baby sitter, money, etc. Try a new restaurant, see a new movie or buy tickets to a theater show! Whatever you choose to do, make the best of it by relaxing. You can check in with whoever is baby sitting by a quick text or phone call - but don't check in every hr! You need time away and so does baby. This is the test for when baby goes off to daycare or school even....Can you handle it then?

Being a new mom is a challenge. There's no sugar-coating here. I have a wonderful baby but I do have my moments of anger and have to remind myself she's just a baby. I will step away to another room, breathe, and come back to deal with the situation. Example: she's been fussy all morning. Woke up at 9am, bottle, changed diaper, and I jumped in the shower. Within 4.5hrs she had 3 full 9oz bottles and now she's sleeping...lol I also have to deal with our 7.5yr old grumpy dog! Which doesn't help because he seems to peak at the same moments Adriana is fussy and I'm frustrated. Breathe In. Breathe Out. And GO!

Do you get overwhelmed?
How do you deal with stress?