Many people say that the first three months as parents of a newborn are the most difficult. For many women, this is true. You are likely to be recovering from childbirth, you’re chronically short on sleep and learning to interpret each cry that your child makes takes some time. It’s also the most wonderful time, when you can look at your new baby and marvel at every little thing they do.
It is easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you have other children or if you have to return to work a few weeks after the birth. It’s important to be aware of what is going on and to remember to take the time to take care of yourself. I’ve never understood why it is that people tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, unless you have a nanny or other household staff. Food needs to be prepared, laundry needs to get done and in my experience, messes occur as much with a baby in the house as they did before th
ey were before. However, rest whenever you can.
Living with a Newborn
There is a secret that many experienced moms know that is rarely discussed…life with a baby is hard. It’s frustrating and no matter how well you prepared or how many books you read, there will be a situation that occurs that you can’t solve. And that’s okay.
Whether it is colic, an unexplained diaper rash or a baby who doesn’t like to be held or only wants to be held, there is probably going to be a day where you want to sit with the baby and cry. You may even need to safely put the baby in the crib, sit outside the door and cry. You aren’t being a bad parent, and as long as your child is otherwise healthy, taking a couple of minutes to get yourself together can be helpful for both of you.
Parenting takes time and patience, and it’s important to keep yourself emotionally and physically healthy. Post-partum depression can occur up to a year after giving birth, but usually appears within about 12 weeks of childbirth. Its symptoms include depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping (besides waking up with the baby, obviously). You may also experience trouble focusing, lack of energy and even negative thoughts towards the baby.
Post-partum depression is not the same as “The Baby Blues”, which occurs soon after the baby is born and is the result of the hormonal changes associated with delivery. A combination of drug therapy and counseling is often prescribed, so don’t hesitate to discuss what you’re feeling with your doctor. You can get better and there is no shame in asking for help.
As you and your new baby learn about each other, you will form an unbreakable bond. Although life as a new parent is challenging, it is also an opportunity for you to get to know the brand new little person you created.
