201. New Baby Big Change

All new parents experience a range of emotions in the postpartum period. While they may be excited and proud about being a new parent, there can also be a sense of responsibility and concern.

There is often a focus on the continuous demands of caring for a newborn, and this, along with family and friends focusing on just the birth parent and new baby, can leave partners feeling left out. Also there sometimes isn’t the instant bond with the baby that new parents expect, and this can leave some partners feeling even more disconnected.

It is also common to feel:

• Tired from sleep disruption
• A huge responsibility for the health, finances and well-being of the new family
• Worried about their partner’s emotional ups and downs
• Concerned about the changes in their relationship with their partner

Here are some tips to help you in the first months:

• Rest as often as you can.
• Communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Ask her what they need, and tell her what you need.
• Take some time for yourself e.g. exercise, read, play a sport.
• Talk to friends and co-workers who have children. You may be surprised how much you have in common.
• Be prepared to live with some uncertainty, as new babies can be unpredictable.
• Spend time alone with your baby when you can. Learn your baby’s cues and how they communicate.
• Be involved with changing diapers and other baby care tasks. You and your partner will probably not do things exactly the same way and that’s okay.
• Remember that parenting is a new job for both of you and it may take time to learn about your baby and feel comfortable.