Written By: Tanya Cotler, PhD, CPsych

Tanya works in private practice offering assessment, psychotherapy and consulting services. She also works at Boomerang Health, powered by Sick Kids where she is involved in psychotherapy for youth and families.

Read my latest newsletter →

New Parent? 5 Steps to Get You Through Month One

New baby

 New parent? 5 Key Steps To Get You Through First Months

New Parent? “Say goodbye to sleep;” … “Are you going back to work? You are?? You are not??”

Judgments and opinions abound as you welcome your little one into this world along with your new role as mother or father. People mean well, but in the early months of your baby’s life the advice and running commentary – often unsolicited – can do more harm than good.

That said, most parents could really use a helping hand yet feel an astounding pressure to do it all – balance the baby on the hip, groceries in one arm, answering phone calls with the other, and maybe using a foot to prepare dinner! The part that is not often said is that no one can or should do it alone.

Remember, you will find your rhythm. 

Doctor Dina Health Advice for Kids - Babys Development 6 to 9 months

What can you do to facilitate the process of becoming a great new parent without losing your sanity?

Here Are 5 Key Steps

1. Identify Your Village

who is it that you feel you can trust and feel comfortable asking to support you? You may have different people who fit different roles (emotional support, practical help with errands, child care, etc.)

2. Ask for Help

After you have identified the different ways different people can help, it is time to approach them individually. Be specific. Be concise. Be confident. It is OK to need a hand.

3. Practice Acceptance

In order to make use of the help around you, you need to have compassion for yourself. Take the pressure off yourself for perfection.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Your child needs you to be present for them. You can’t be if you are stuck resenting yourself for what you aren’t getting done OR stuck in constant planning for what needs to be finished. Mindfulness involves practicing being in the present moment non-judgmentally. Various tasks can be done “mindfully” using any one of your 5 senses. For example, try taking a walk and looking at the trees and leaves the way your newborn child would- as if seeing them for the first time (beginners mind meditation). Pay attention to the details, the colors you see, or touch a leaf, noticing the texture in your palm. The key here is to stay present in the moment. As thoughts (or judgments) start to enter your mind, notice them and then let go (I like to imagine thoughts passing like clouds).

5. Self Care

Try to focus on doing something kind for yourself. Self-care can takes many forms. Try to think of what you loved to do before your baby’s arrival and find a way to do that now. Without the guilt. This IS taking care of your baby.

Remember, you will find your rhythm. You may not want to work; you may love to work; you may not care about sleep; you may care tremendously and need to do whatever it takes. The key is to find what fits for YOU and your baby. Each parent-baby dyad, and each family unit is unique. Listen to yourself and you will be able to grow and thrive in the new WE your family has become.

Here’s a great article on Sleep Training Your Baby

Doctor Dina Health Advice for Kids - waking at night

Written By: Tanya Cotler, PhD, CPsych

Tanya works in private practice offering assessment, psychotherapy and consulting services. She also works at Boomerang Health, powered by Sick Kids where she is involved in psychotherapy for youth and families.

You might also enjoy

10 Most Common Newborn Rashes

 When your baby has a rash, it can be pretty scary for parents. We often worry a rash is the sign of something serious, though it rarely is! A newborn’s skin is very delicate and can be unfortunately plagued by a variety of baby rashes. Here are some of the more common childhood rashes..

Your 2-Month Old Baby’s Milestones and Development

Your 2-month old – an exciting milestone in your baby’s life. Your baby’s personality will start to emerge at this stage. Below are some milestones that you can expect to see this month and some tips on how to support the growth of your baby. Your baby is unique, and they may not develop in the same way or as quickly as other babies.

Your 4 Month Old Baby’s Milestones & Development

At age four months old, your baby will be alert and aware of people and surroundings. Your baby has gone through significant developmental milestones and cognitive development, and you can relax and enjoy your baby’s company more than when they were a newborn.

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox