Even though you may be brimming with joy, there is no denying parenting can be highly exhausting. No amount of books can prepare you for the first time you bring your baby home. The frequent diaper changes, struggling to hold your child correctly, and trying to soothe their cries, can get tiring. You may also doubt your parenting skills and feel burdened by your thoughts. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Parenting is a journey. You learn with your child. Your proactiveness and attention to detail can make this process smoother.
Additionally, you have a massive support system all waiting to help you. From highly qualified doctors to other parents also on the same boat as you. Ready to embrace parenthood? Here’s what you need to do:
Pay attention to your baby’s health
You need to stay on top of your baby’s health. While your child may have mandatory checkups, keep an eye out for unusual symptoms that may start to appear. While giving birth, your baby may have gotten injured. However, specific injuries don’t appear until a few weeks or later in life. Apart from usual developmental delays, if your baby starts showing signs of spasms and involuntary movements, seek a healthcare professional right away.
Once you receive a confirmed diagnosis of birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, investigate what may have caused this. Suppose you’re sure you had a turbulent delivery, followed by mishandling from the medical staff. In that case, you can look into a cerebral palsy lawsuit and reclaim compensation for future treatment.
Lower your expectations
Before your baby comes home, assuming you’ll be on top of your game is easy. However, that’s rarely the case. While having a plan is sound, putting yourself on a superhuman level is unrealistic. A baby is adjusting to you as much as you’re adapting to them. Therefore, it will take your child time to get used to a routine. You and your partner may have to tag team to rock your fussing baby, put them to sleep, and try to feed them.
As a result, you may not get enough sleep, often rush through meals, and still find it troubling to keep up with your child. You may see your house get neglected, feel you and your partner don’t get time together, or get exhausted after handling your child all day. These are all normal, forgive yourself and calm down with the benchmark you’ve set for yourself. As long as your baby is healthy and happy, nothing else matters.
Ask for help
There is nothing wrong with asking for help. You can use the break now and then. Your friends, babysitters, and parents are all potential helpers. Reach out if you need their assistance and learn to lean on your support system. Try to look after yourself in the spare time you have. You may catch up on sleep, cook a delicious meal, go out to have fun, or use it to relax.
Moreover, if you have experienced parents with older kids around you, talk to them about parenting and learn how they worked with their children. You can also pick up on new baby products, nutritious meals you can make once the child is older, and how to swaddle your baby better. Parenting blogs are also suitable venues to learn. They contain people from all over the world experiencing the same emotions and thoughts as you, along with tips and advice you can apply. However, if you’re unsure about a method like massaging your baby with mustard seed oil, consult a doctor if your baby has any allergies you should be wary of.
Communicate with your partner
Your partner may also be going through the motions with you. They may feel stressed, worried, and exhausted as they parent with you. Therefore you must see eye to eye when raising your baby. It’s not possible you shoulder all the work and also ensure the house is in order. At the same time, you can’t put every responsibility on your partner and distance yourself from your end of the chores. Set a routine with your partner on dividing responsibilities and looking after the baby.
For instance, if you’re both full-time workers, try applying for maternity/paternity leave and find out if your partner’s company does the same for them. Your first few weeks with the baby are about getting used to each other, so don’t rush the process. Gradually, your child will get comfortable and cry less. If you’re handling the baby in the morning, your partner should be with the child in the evening. If the baby keeps you through the night, your partner must take over for you the next day.
While there may be a few kinks as you explore this unique side of your relationship, communication is vital. Don’t mince your words, hide your feelings or pretend you’re not happy with how your better half is doing. At the same time, be open to anything your spouse may want to discuss or highlight about you.
Conclusion
Raising a baby is both beautiful and tiring. Your little bundle of joy will change your life in more than one way. Therefore you need to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. To start with, you must stay on top of your baby’s health and don’t hesitate when seeking consultation on out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. Go easy on yourself, and don’t push yourself more than you can handle. As a new parent, you’re still learning as you go, so if you have questions, ask and get more educated while looking after your baby. Your partner also needs you to be on the same level as them. As you both try raising a loving and healthy child, communicate often and be pillars of strength for each other.