Preparing For Parenthood
Labour and birth will last a day, but parenthood will last a lifetime! Becoming a parent will probably be the biggest life
transition you will ever experience. The addition of a new baby into the family, especially a first child, brings about
many changes and challenges for new parents. It is important to know that everyone experiences this transition to
parenthood differently. It can take many months for new parents to feel settled as they adjust to frequent breastfeeding, interrupted sleep, recovery from labour and birth, and new roles as parents. Everyone needs to find “a new balance” in their life.
A New Normal
A child will change your life in many ways, including:
- Feelings about yourself
- Job/career goals
- Finances
- Energy Level
- Personal interests, hobbies and social life
- Relationship with your partner including intimacy and
communication
- Relationships with friends, parents, in-laws and
other children
Things will not go back to the way they were before you had your baby. But that is okay. You and your family will begin a new life. After a few months you may begin to see a routine developing. Your baby will sleep a little longer at
night and so will you. You will feel better and have more energy. Most importantly, you will begin to feel more confident as a parent.
Life will always continue to change as your child grows from an infant, to a toddler and then to a preschooler and beyond. Your home routines and schedules will change right along with your family situation. Flexibility is very
important. Remember, in the midst of all the work, take care of yourself and each other. Enjoy your family and have
fun!
Some Helpful Tips
Parenting. It’s never too early to think about parenting, and it’s absolutely natural to have questions about being a
parent. The Middlesex-London Health Unit encourages parents to find answers together at www.iparent.net or call
Health Connection at 519-850-2280 to speak with a public health nurse. It takes a community to raise a child.
www.LondonBabyExpo.com
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