Mums

Becoming a mother often induces every emotion available within a woman -- joy at the new creation, fear of the unknown, and even, am I going to be good enough? It can evoke pride at what you have achieved; relief when the baby arrives safely; astonishment, motherly love, anguish ... the list could just go on and on. No-one can really explain what it feels like to become a mother, or even be a mother because the feelings change constantly and the road is never smooth! Every step of the way we seek to do the best for our children and this is all our children can ever ask from us.

Unfortunately there is no handbook for being a mother, so we all have to learn on the job. That doesn’t mean there is no help available. If you are fortunate to have a close family you can ask for help from them. You can ask for help from your GP, Practice Nurse and Child Health Nurse. You can read books or look things up on the internet. The truth is there is an overload of information. Your job as the mother is to filter through that information and discuss with your family what is right for you and your child. At times, the volume of conflicting information can be overwhelming and almost intolerable, but if you take your time and think about what feels right for you, things will be a lot easier. That doesn’t mean you have to choose your own path and never look back. You may choose one path then find that that is not working, so go back and find another way. Often there are many ways to do things and the one that suits you will be the right one because it will make you feel comfortable. This then makes you a happy relaxed mum, this rubs off on your child who also becomes relaxed and the stress levels go down all round.
It is true the job of a mother is never-ending, but what you are doing is moulding and influencing the life of another human being, the next generation. It is the most important job that anyone can do.
The following links have been selected by Lower Great Southern Communities for Children team. We have made every effort to select relevant sites that are informative and accurate. The material linked is to provide information only. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner therefore if you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.
Being a mum and looking after yourself:


Link: Family and Community Services, WA -- Being a Mother

Link: Being a mum
Link: New mums
Link: Family Planning WA - contraception and women’s health.
Link: The Bub Hub: a large number of sites and support groups listed on just about everything.
Link: ABC parenting page
Link: Department of Health WA - Women’s health links
Link: Postnatal exercises
Link: Australian Government - Support and services for families
Link: Dept for Communities WA - Parents' Resources Online
Link: Department of Health WA - Child Health Centres Regional WA - Contact details

Whether you are about to separate, have recently separated, or been separated for some time the following web site will assist you support your children to adjust to their new family structures.
 http://www.chatfirst.com.au/
For information from the national strategy for children of parents with learning difficulties visit the Health Start site at:


Link: Healthy Start