Becoming a parent for the first time can be exhilarating. It can also be downright stressful and maybe a little scary. Knowing that you’re in charge of an infant is a big responsibility, after all.
Here’s the bottom line, though: You’re ready for this role. With a few parenting tips, you can make it through those first months. And you don’t have to feel as frazzled as you might think. Keep this advice for new parents in mind when your baby arrives.
You Have Some Pretty Good Instincts
Most parents have good gut instincts for caring for a child, as long as those instincts come from a kind, loving place. You don’t have to feel like you know absolutely nothing. Many parents are surprised at how natural caring for an infant becomes after they learn to relax. Just practice a “safety at all times” mantra.
You Need Your Sleep Too
Getting enough sleep is as important for adults as it is for kiddos. Your friends might brag about how they lived through sleep deprivation, but you don’t have to. Find ways to get some shut-eye. If you can, consider hiring a competent, professional babysitter to watch your newborn. That way, you can get some needed sleep. You’ll feel more refreshed and make better choices when it comes to your child’s health and wellbeing.Keep all your doctor’s appointments.
Keep Your Doctor’s Appointments
First-time parents should make it a practice to never miss any visits to the pediatrician. If you or your partner gave birth, it’s also important to keep your own doctor’s appointments. Yes, it can be a challenge to get to all your appointments, but each checkup is necessary to ensure that both parent and child are doing well.
Remember that traveling with infants doesn’t involve jumping into the car and going. Make sure their car seats are properly installed and working before every trip. Still, make time for those wellness visits.
Leave Weight Worries at the Door
Sometimes, new moms put too much pressure on themselves to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. If weight concerns are impacting you or your partner, try to focus on living your lives, not on the scale. Enjoy spending your time with your baby. Eat nourishing foods that are nutritionally valuable, but don’t allow yourself to get obsessed.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Before you became a parent, you might have assumed that every moment would be joyous, but that’s not realistic. Occasionally, you may miss your pre-baby schedule. This is normal and doesn’t make you a bad person. It can take a while to adjust to being a parent. However, if you constantly feel down, consider speaking with a counselor. Postpartum depression is a serious issue that deserves professional diagnosis and treatment, and adjusting to parenthood can be stressful for anyone.
Take time to develop your parenting based on love for yourself and your child. To schedule an appointment with a compassionate counselor, reach out to us today.
