Surviving Baby’s First Weeks
You went to all the birth preparation classes. You did yoga. You spent hours reading books. The nursery is ready and overflowing with items for the new baby. Before you know it, you arrive home with your precious little one. The moment you’ve been anticipating for months. Suddenly you’re on your own. No more nurses, no more instructions. It’s over to you. You may feel overwhelmed with responsibility to get everything perfect for this little baby.
The postpartum period is a time of profound transition, marked by strong emotions, dramatic changes, new relationships and an adjustment of role and identity. Unfortunately, the impact of this time is grossly underestimated and in the most part, parents are left to figure it out on their own. As families and communities become increasingly distant and fragmented, support networks are not as strong as they once were. Most expectant parents focus on the upcoming birth and prepare in many ways. But how prepared are you for the reality of having a new baby to care for? The likelihood is that you’ll get sent home with minimal instruction and certainly no user’s manual!
It is extremely common for new parents to have fears and anxieties about their competence and ability to care for the new baby. The good news is, you will learn. Quickly. The reality is that the baby has no other parents to compare you against so perfection is unnecessary (not to mention unattainable), and most of this journey will be guided by intuition and love. As you begin to understand and react to your baby’s basic needs, you will develop confidence in your new role as a parent.
Nevertheless, you will undoubtedly have endless questions along the way. Preparation for, and support during, the newborn period cannot be underestimated. The World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommends that parents receive information/ counseling on the care of a baby, and support from professionals as well as family.
Consider investing in a service that can help you prepare for this time, that also provides additional guidance and support once the baby arrives. If you know you can turn to a professional to help you navigate your way through the newborn period and cope with challenging times, the transition will be that much easier, enabling you to build a strong foundation for new family life.
What are your options?
- Newborn care consultant: Incorporating several services, the consultant provides personal newborn care education for both expectant and new parents. Other services offered are ‘troubleshooting’ for coping with confusing/difficult times in the newborn phase, breastfeeding preparation and support, nursery planning and sleep consulting.
- Newborn care/parenting classes: Offered at many hospitals and baby boutiques to help you prepare during your pregnancy, or for once baby arrives.
- Baby planner: Can help you decide what products you may need for the nursery, go shopping with you and help you find the services that suit you.
- Postnatal Doula: Can be a wonderful support person and will come to your home, help you care for yourself, help with household tasks and offer newborn care information.
- Newborn Nanny: Can move in with you for a period of weeks to help you take care of baby, whilst teaching you newborn care along the way.
- Lactation Consultant: A professional who provides comprehensive breastfeeding education and support.
If you’re using a midwife for your pregnancy and birth, make use of her knowledge regarding newborn care. Always remember that your pediatrician/family doctor should be your first point of contact if at any time you have concerns about the well-being of your baby.
If you prefer to be alone with your new little family to figure it out together, make sure you’re clear in advance so family and friends give you that haven. If you need family/friend support, be sure to ask- but be clear what kind of support you’re looking for (help around the house, advice about the baby, time out etc). Your loved ones will feel more useful if they know what will help you.
Don’t be afraid to change your mind about what support you want, or to seek help you weren’t expecting to need. Finding the best way for you, and getting the right support can mean the difference between simply surviving and getting the most out of baby’s first weeks!