Anxiety, stress and overwhelm are common emotions for new parents. Babies don’t come with instruction manuals and without proper support and help, the first few months with your new baby can be filled with not only love and amazement but fear as well.
New babies do a lot of things that can make an anxious parent feel concern. Newborns are so small and fragile – and then they make choking noises, appear to stop breathing and throw-up – a lot!
But how do you know what is normal and what is not?
3 ways to help you understand your newborn:
Prenatal classes
Every hospital, medical centre and midwives clinic will strongly recommend both parents attend prenatal classes. These classes have been designed to help new parents understand the whole process of birth and the first few months of your baby’s life so you know what to expect. Ask your doctor or obstetrician to book you in.
Mothers groups
New mothers groups may seem superficial if you’ve not had a child – after all who wants to sit around with a group of strangers talking about poo – right? WRONG – new mothers groups are one of the most valuable things you can do as a new parent. Those conversations are invaluable in terms of understanding what is normal, what everyone else is going through and how they are solving the problems you are all facing. Your hospital will be able to help you find a new mothers group.
Childhood First Aid
Doing a first aid course is a very powerful thing to do. We recommend you do it BEFORE the baby is born so you have the time (and headspace) to absorb the information. A childhood first aid course will give you the knowledge and skills to deal with most childhood illnesses, and accidents. You will learn exactly what to do in an emergency.
Arm yourself with knowledge so you know if a baby is choking or simply learning to swallow. The more you understand what is normal and what is not, the less anxious you will feel in those first months as a new parent and you can enjoy getting to know your new family member.
Edway Training run regular comprehensive Childcare First Aid and general First Aid courses suitable for new parents. You can book here, or contact us for more information.
