Practical Advice for New Parents

If you are expecting your first child, congratulations! You are embarking on a lifelong journey that will be rewarding, challenging, frustrating, joyous, and just about everything in between. While every baby is different, and parenting is a “learn as you go” vocation, it doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of practical advice to help you on your way.

Before Baby Arrives

There is so much to do before the birth of your little one, and you may feel pressured to stock up on everything a baby could possibly need. Don’t overdo it! You probably don’t need all the gadgets you are seeing on the market, and if you buy bottles or pacifiers in bulk, it is almost guaranteed that your baby will prefer another brand. Don’t turn up your nose at second hand items, either. So much baby gear is only used for a short time, so it makes sense to buy pre-owned baby furniture and even clothing. Another thing to avoid while you are waiting for baby is setting your expectations too high. You may have your heart set on breastfeeding, only to discover that it isn’t possible. Your birth story may not be as you envisioned it. You may not feel the immediate connection with the baby that you expected. All of these things are possibilities, and the best thing you can do is relax and go with it.

Finding Your Way in the Early Days

One of the best advice for new parents is to accept help that is offered. If someone wants to run an errand, stock your freezer, or watch the baby so you can take a bath- or a nap!- gratefully accept. There is no need to be a superhero, and no one can do it all on their own. At the same time, feel free to politely turn down unwanted advice. You will find your own way of parenting, and your way may be different from the way your mother, siblings, friends, or neighbors do it. That’s perfectly fine, as long as you and your little one are healthy and happy. Some advice you might want to heed, though:

• Don’t keep the house perfectly silent when your child is asleep, or you will end up with a child who requires total silence to sleep.
• Do the middle of the night feedings without turning on a light, to help your baby understand the difference between night and day.
• Do ask for help of you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed.
• Establish a routine early on, to make life easier for yourself.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed and the baby won’t stop crying, it’s ok to put the baby in the crib and walk away until you have collected yourself. Your baby will be safe, and crying for a few minutes alone will not do any damage.

Building a Relationship with Your Child

As your child grows, remember that you are raising a little person. Children have their own feelings and opinions, and these may not always fit perfectly into your plan, but that doesn’t mean they’re not valid. Understand that little ones don’t have the emotional maturity to moderate their own emotions, and treat them with kindness and understanding. Learn to apologize to your children, because it will help them learn to manage their own mistakes. Spend time getting to know your little one, developing your own style of loving interactions that will benefit both of you. Talk, sing, and read to your baby, because this creates a bond between the two of you while also helping with brain development.

Keeping a Sense of Self

Parenting is a major undertaking, but it’s important not to let it completely define you as a person. It is important that you don’t lose yourself, but give yourself time to remember who you were before the children were born. Take breaks, spend quality time with your partner, and don’t give up on things you love to do. It can be challenging to find the time, but it is important for you to be a happy, healthy person so that you can raise your children to be the best that they can be.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal is Here to Help You on Your Parenting Journey

For more helpful tips and information, check back here often. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start their healthy, happy families, and we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.