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Gretchen Rossi Had Anxiety Leaving Her Baby for the First Time — Here's How to Make It Easier
Parenting expert Lyss Stern has some good advice for the new mommies out there, including The Real Housewives of Orange County's Gretchen Rossi.
Gretchen Rossi had to leave her daughter, Skylar Gray, for the first time for work and understandably, was filled with anxiety over it.
The former Real Housewives of Orange County mom took to Instagram, writing, "Yesterday was the first day I had to be away from my baby girl for a work engagement, and I’m not going to lie I had so much anxiety over it. Even though she was with her grandparents (best people on earth for her to be with) I couldn’t stop thinking about her and missed her so much (even though it was only eight hours) I was so happy when I got home last night and got to see her and kiss and love on her!"
Leaving a baby for the first time can be so hard — not to mention the mommy guilt piled on top of the worry.
Lyss Stern, CEO of Divamoms.com, mom of three, and best-selling author of Motherhood Is A B#tch, has a lot to say to about first time moms and the anxiety of leaving the baby.
"In Gretchen’s case, as well as most new moms, the feeling of anxiety when leaving your baby can leave a new mom overwhelmingly anxious," she said. "These are all normal feelings and I love how real and honest she is being in her Instagram photo about her feelings."
She offered a few tips.
"Know these feelings are real and you are not alone feeling this way," she added. "Make sure you are very comfortable with the person or people you are leaving the baby with and make sure they will respond when you check in. I remember FaceTiming a lot after my daughter was born and I went back to work. It helped ease my anxiety when I saw her and that she was happy. Have the caretaker send you photos and updates via text.
"Take lots of deep breaths and know both you and the baby are going to be great. Know that going back to work is going to be great — it will take some time to adjust — however, as time goes on, you will be less anxious. And make sure to give the baby lots of hugs and kisses before you leave for work and when you return. A baby wants and needs unconditional love."
