new parents

What Are The Top Concerns New Parents Face

New parents can have some concerns when it comes to becoming a new mum or dad for the first time. Here are the top parenting concerns that new parents face and help to overcome them.

 

new parents

Top Concerns New Parents Face

1. Getting Enough Sleep

There will be sleepless nights that comes with giving birth to a new baby. The sooner you establish a routine the better to get your baby to go to sleep for the night. This routine could include a warm bath at night, baby massage, bottle of milk or breastfeeding. In the early days a very helpful tip is for mum to get some sleep when your baby is napping. This becomes even more critical if you are breastfeeding on demand. You can find someone to help with laundry and house chores and get some rest.

2. Balancing Work Life Balance

If you are a business owner, you can decide to change your working hours to suit your new lifestyle for a few weeks. If you are in a 9 to 5, before you resume after the maternity period get your routine right. At least 2 weeks or a month before resumption start to breastfeed on a routine to make it easier when you get back to work. There is nothing more uncomfortable than being engorged with milk at work and you cannot breastfeed. Also consider what your commute would be like and time your breastfeeding around this.

If you will rely on creche start looking for a good one – determine if a creche close to home is more ideal or whether it is one close to your place of work. Get your support system in place as this will greatly reduce the stress of work life balance. You will need help so get the right kind when you are not under pressure. As new parents, if you will rely on a nanny, start the search months before having a baby. Read [How to Choose a Creche]

3. Where Should Baby Sleep

During the first few months, I found it easier for the babies to sleep in our room. This way when baby woke up for a feeding in the middle of the night it was easier to feed and get back to bed before baby woke up fully. One of the easiest ways to do this is to either co-sleep or put baby’s crib close to your bed. It is wise to have a comfortable rocking chair or mattress in baby’s room for comfort. Over time you will learn to recognize the different reasons why baby cries, whether it is for feeding or a wet nappy.

Babies eventually learn to soothe themselves to sleep. As your child grows, encourage him to fall asleep on his own by putting him in his crib while he’s still awake and staying until he nods off.

4. Will I Be A Good Parent

Being good parents is not easy to measure and neither is it a competition. What is important is that you do your best to be responsive to your babies needs. Provide a safe environment for your child, provide good nutrition and be there for your child. Parents sometimes get anxious because they are either comparing themselves to other parents or trying to do it all. Be sure to join a community of other parents or have trusted support system who you can ask for tips and suggestions. Remember to your baby you are the only parent he or she needs.

5. Should I Breast Feed or Not

Breastfeeding is the best option for your baby. It is recommended that you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life. Expressing is a great way to continue to breastfeed even after you return to work or as baby gets older. There is no better start to life unless there is a reason beyond your control.

how to manage baby expensesFor feeding ensure a happy departure and a happy reunion. Cuddle and feed your baby before leaving for work and as soon as you come home. Tell your caregiver not to feed her right before you return from work, especially if you are breastfeeding so that you have that opportunity to bond with your baby.

6. How Do You Know If your Baby is Well-Fed?

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, by about 1 week of age, a well-nourished breastfed baby will have six to eight wet diapers per day, and three or four with stool. If you feel your baby sucking vigorously, hear her swallowing, feel your milk letting down and see your baby drifting contentedly off to sleep, chances are she is well nourished.

While it’s normal for babies to lose a little weight after birth, weight gain is generally the best indicator that your baby is eating enough. Infants who are well fed will usually put on an average of 4 to 5 ounces a week for the first few weeks, and an average of 1 to 2 pounds per month for the first six months.

If your baby is bottle-fed, many newborns may only take 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding for the first week. But by 1 month of age, most infants are up to 3 to 4 ounces at each feeding. Always be sure to discuss with your baby’s doctor who will be in the best place to monitor your baby’s growth.

There are many questions new parents will have, remember that it is a learning process. No two children are the same and neither are the parents.

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