Becoming a parent marks a huge transition in a person’s life. There are many things to consider and choices to make. Further complicating matters is the fact that every woman has a unique experience of pregnancy and childbirth, and some enter motherhood on the heels of a difficult labor and delivery process.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you enter parenthood, know that you are not alone. Holly Hubbard, MD, and the team at Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, are here for you when you need us. From new parent counseling to outstanding well-baby care, we offer a range of services to make your journey into parenthood as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Although every parent has a unique experience, becoming a parent is never an easy transition. Even for men and women who planned and pined for parenthood for years, those first few months are a challenge. That’s true regardless of whether you have an “easy” baby or whether this is your first or fourth child.
As you move through this time of transition, give yourself the gift of grace. Don’t expect things to be perfect, and don’t accept those kinds of expectations from others, even if they mean well. Take the time to settle into your new schedule and routines, and be sure to enjoy all the wonderful moments that come with new parenthood.
The first thing you can do to manage feeling overwhelmed is to acknowledge that these feelings are perfectly normal and don’t mean you won’t be a great parent. Once you accept that there will be times when it feels like you’re falling behind or not getting everything done, it’s easier to make a plan.
Though it may feel selfish or wrong, prioritizing your own needs is the best approach for both you and your baby. This begins with ensuring you’re getting enough sleep. There is merit to the advice that new parents should try to sleep when the baby is sleeping. Accept that your schedule will be unusual for a while, and rest when you can.
You should also be open to offers of help. Friends, partners, and loved ones often want to pitch in when a new baby arrives. Take advantage of that kindness and think of ways that the people around you can assist. That might mean having someone cook a few meals that can be frozen and used as needed. It could be asking a friend to run a load of laundry during a visit.
Some new parents feel overwhelmed with worries after they bring their baby home. Keep in mind that you chose Hubbard Pediatric Group for a reason and that our team is here to help you navigate these first few months.
In addition to well-baby care, which begins shortly after giving birth, our office also offers new parent counseling, a service designed to help you feel more confident in your abilities and able to thrive in your new role.
When you’re ready to get started, booking a visit at our Loganville, Georgia, office is as easy as a quick phone call or a visit to our online booking page. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need us.
