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General advice on adjusting to parenthood
“When a baby is born, so is a mother/father”
Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience but it is also a time of adjustment. You may find that you have less time to look after yourself and that you are having to meet new challenges every day. It will take time to adjust into your new role and learn about your new baby. It can be useful to keep the following ideas in mind; You are the best parent for your baby. You are getting to know a new person in your life. You have been through an incredible physical and emotion experience. You are learning on the job (with not much sleep!) No amount of preparation can ever prepare you for how it feels to be responsible for your baby and take on the role of parent. There is no such thing as the “perfect parent” and it is important to accept and embrace your own unique parenting style and celebrate all your talents and abilities.
Common issues for new parents
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by parenthood, it may be reassuring to know that many parents experience the following issues; Tiredness and lack of energy. Lack of structure in the day (and night!) Lack of confidence in parenting ability and confusion resulting from conflicting advice. Changing hormone levels effecting emotional states. Adjusting to the role of carer with less time for existing responsibilities and interests. Concerns over baby’s health/weight/sleeping/feeding patterns.
Bonding issues
Remember bonding is a process rather than an event and that you and your baby are designed to bond with each other after birth. You can enhance the bond with your baby at any time through communication, touch, eye contact and by feeling relaxing together. Positive touch and body contact is very important in increasing the bond between you and your baby. If you do not feel you have bonded with your baby yet, there is plenty of time to develop the bond between you. Studies show that not everyone falls in love at first sight with their baby; after an initial wave of maternal feelings, they can subside and then remerge around 6 weeks. Remember that for many people bonding with their child is a journey based on communication, understanding and nurturing love.
What you can do to help adjust to parenthood-Helpful hints to consider
Make time for yourself everyday-Keep your identity. What makes you happy? Make time to spend time with your partner, friends and family. Give yourself something to look forward to every day-Meeting a friend, having bath time fun with baby. Keep a diary charting your progress and successes. Ask for, and accept help if you need it. Celebrate your strengths and what a wonderful baby you have. Meet other parents going through similar experiences. Get some rest whenever you can and don’t worry about housework in the early days. Indulge in simple pleasures-go for a walk with baby, a cuddle and a cup of tea. Accept that your life has changed and that you are embarking on an exciting new phase. What are your new goals? Adjust to the pace of motherhood-babies don’t understand time. It may take a while for baby to sleep/feed well. Look after yourself by eating a well balanced diet, taking gentle exercise such as a walk with the pram to help boost endorphins. Remember you are doing the best you can right now. Blossom & Berry groups are designed to help support you and provide a non judgmental and non opinonated listening ear. To find a class in your area click here
Make your baby smile
Beautiful Baby Massage from Blossom & Berry on Vimeo.