They say becoming a parent is unlike any feeling you will ever experience. It’s an unconditional kind of love that seems to just come into existence the minute you set eyes on your baby, and you automatically carry a sense and right to protect your child no matter what. They say becoming a parent cannot be dictated by a rule book and no matter what you are advised to do, each parent will take it in their stride to find their own rules that work for them and their new baby. Whether you are yet to become a parent, or you have just become first-time parents, or perhaps this is baby number two, three of even four, there are always worries and concerns which will take over. It would be worrying to think you didn’t worry about anything when becoming a parent, as no baby is the same, and even if it’s not baby number one, your children will be different and not respond the same way to how you may have brought up your first baby.
So, in a bid to help ease the process of becoming a parent for the first time, here’s a list of common worries all first-time parents will encounter.
Your baby will cry
Crying, no matter the circumstance rings alarm bells, especially with a newborn or a young infant. However, you must remember that crying is perfectly normal and it’s their way of describing that something is wrong. Perhaps they are hungry, sleepy, or need their nappy changed, or they could be unwell. As a parent, you will learn very quickly what a particular cry means and symbolizes. What you must be aware of is that crying does not harm the baby, no matter how aggressive or harmful it sounds. Also, some babies cry more than others, but if you find your baby or infant is inconsolable, then perhaps see your doctor to find out if they are suffering from Colic.
To breastfeed or to bottle it
Breastfeeding, whether it be in public or private has become somewhat more normalized due to public pressures to allow women to feel comfortable when breastfeeding in public. As natural as it is, not all women feel comfortable to do so. It is a learned skill for mother and baby, and sometimes it doesn’t work. Some women will worry their babies don’t receive enough food, and will panic whenever they cry, thinking they need to eat again. But don’t fret should you be struggling with breastfeeding, as it’s a challenge to find a schedule that suits your routine and your baby’s. if breastfeeding isn’t for you, you can use formula milk as early on after giving birth.
Finding a routine that works
The most crucial part of establishing a routine is not to forced it upon your baby. Don’t manipulate their naps; just let them sleep and eat when they need to and creating a routine will naturally fall into place. Of course, it’s important to get this cemented as early on but your baby, like you, are adjusting to a whole new world, so give them a chance. And, after a few months, many parents like to encourage more feeding during the day, shortening how long your baby naps for to avoid nighttime awakenings and feedings. By month four to six, your baby will begin to sleep through.
Losing the baby weight
Losing weight is a continuous fight for many women and men around the world, and for women, losing weight is its hardest once you have had a baby. You ate to supply your baby with food during your pregnancy, and you quickly pile on the pounds faster than you’re eating them. and for women, their body pre-pregnancy is how they perceive themselves, and most often their most comfortable self in which they wish to become again. And with ongoing pressures seen by celebrities losing weight straight after giving birth, it’s of no surprise that two thirds of new mums said they felt compelled to slim down to their original size (Royal College of Midwives). So, if you’re worrying about how quickly you will shift the excess weight, don’t worry. Focus on your baby and not your stomach. Once you get into a regular routine and breastfeeding, you will quickly lose weight without doing much.
Creating that connection straight away
It’s been nine months, perhaps a trimester of morning sickness, and possibly a difficult and strenuous labor. But you’re so in love, that it’s difficult to channel. For some women, you connect and bond straight away, but for others you may not. This is completely normal and don’t panic. For fathers, bonding can also be that much harder, as they don’t spend as much time with the baby as the mother, due to the nature of feeding and spending more time at home whilst off work. As parents, you will very quickly learn how you’re feeling towards your baby through cuddling, feeding, observing and spending time together. Bonding is all about a growing and nurturing process, so if it doesn’t come straight away, don’t panic.