Becoming a new parent is an exciting time in life. Children are a blessing that provide enriching, joyful contours to our lives.
There is no way to know exactly what being a new parent is like. Here are some things to keep in mind as your first baby arrives. Expect the unexpected
Labor, breastfeeding, sleep. Constipation, colic, and tummy time.
These are a few of the variables that arise as you begin your parenting journey.
There is no way to know for sure what your experience with each of these will be like. After all, every baby is different.
Some children sleep well right away, whereas others are up every 45 minutes throughout the night. Some babies have a “witching hour” in the early evening where they scream and cannot be consoled. Other babies struggle with tummy time, or have a poor breastfeeding latch.
As a new parent, you may not realize that all of this is normal. This is one of the things to keep in mind as your first baby arrives. You may be surprised when your new infant behaves in ways you didn’t expect, or struggles to gain weight. Every new parent worries about their child’s development. You are in good company with these concerns.Trust Yourself
Each decision you make regarding the care of your child is another stone solidifying the foundation of your role as a parent. Parents can seek out books, advice, or parenting forums to provide information about the best choices to make, but ultimately they must trust their own intuitions and stop second guessing themselves. Veteran parents and grandparents often have suggestions for new parents about what should be done in each case: whether suggesting the best bathing techniques, which car seat to use, or how to bottle feed a child. This advice can be useful, but it does not provide the final authority on what is to be done: New parents need to be empowered to make their own decisions regarding the new baby. This is one of the things to keep in mind as your first baby arrivesTake Pictures and Videos
New infants change every week– from the size of their little toes, to the expressions on their faces and the skills they learn. Before you know it, junior will move from weeks old tummy time expert to one year old eating his first smash cake. You will want to remember these days for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s important to record this time together. Take a lot of selfies with your baby: during skin-to-skin cuddles, and when reading books together. Make a video when your child tries her first solid foods, and record smiles and tears for posterity. This precious time will matter for a lifetime. Having a phone or camera ready and fully charged is one of the things to keep in mind as your first baby arrives.
As you transition into your role as a new parent, expect the unexpected, trust yourself, and take pictures and videos. These are things to keep in mind as your first baby arrives. Congratulations and best wishes– you’ve got this!
