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Adjusting to parenthood
Caring for a new baby.
Having a baby means big changes. The first weeks will be tiring as you:
learn how to care for your baby
get used to what your baby needs.
Becoming a parent
The first weeks after your baby arrives are a time of learning. You are learning how to care for your baby and understand their needs. Becoming a parent can change your sleep, mood, relationships, lifestyle, and how you see yourself. These changes are normal.
Try to be kind to yourself and remember that parenting is a learning process for everyone.
Working together as parents
Talking calmly with your partner will help you get used to the new role of parenting.
Each parent will have their own way of parenting. Try to be supportive and encouraging because everyone is learning a new role.
Spending time together as a couple is important. Even talking for 15 minutes each day can help keep your relationship strong.
The What Were We Thinking? parenting program has some online conversation starter worksheets called About Mums and Dads Worksheets. http://www.whatwerewethinking.org.au/
Things you can do
Accepting help from others
Looking after a baby is easier when you have support. You can accept or ask for help from:
- Family and friends
- Neighbours or community groups
- Parent or mother’s groups
- Cultural or community organisations
- Support services and health professionals
Partners and family members can help care for the baby by:
- taking care of the baby so you can shower or rest.
- placing the baby on your partner’s chest for skin-to-skin contact
- bathing and massaging the baby
- changing the baby’s nappy
- cuddling and settling
- carrying the baby in a sling or carrier
- putting the baby on their tummy (tummy time)
- singing, reading and talking with your baby.
- Cooking meals
All these activities will help your partner and family members bond with the baby. Don’t worry if they do things differently. these differences in handling baby can have a positive effect on your baby's growth and development.
Staying organised but flexible
Planning your day can help, but babies are unpredictable. Your baby may need feeding, changing, or comfort when you are about to leave the house. This is normal.
Try to stay flexible and not too hard on yourself if plans change.
Some cultures encourage mothers to stay at home after the baby is born. It is best if you can get help and support in the early months. This may be from family, friends, neighbours, a mother’s group, cultural organisations or by making time for regular calls with family living overseas.
Ask your partner and family to help with this and other things like:
- shopping
- meal preparation
- cleaning and laundry
Rest and self-care
Caring for yourself helps you care for your baby. Try to:
- Rest when your baby sleeps
- Make friends with other parents
- Speak to your employer about flexible work if needed
- Reach out for support if you feel overwhelmed
If you are a single parent, reach out to friends, family, or services for help and support.
Watching your baby grow and learn
As your baby grows older, they will start doing new things like trying different foods, saying their first words, and taking their first steps. With these exciting changes, there can also be some hard times. Knowing what to expect and how to handle them can make things easier.
Understanding your baby’s feelings
Sometimes babies feel anxious or unsettled, especially during times of change. Your baby may:
Wake more during the night
Become fussy or upset when you leave
Eat less than usual
When there is a lot going on, babies need extra love and patience
Helping your baby through changes
You can support your baby by:
Keeping a balance between busy times and quiet rest times. Do not pack your day too full. If your baby is unwell, give them more attention and care.
Helping your baby return to normal routines after they feel better
Making your home safe as your baby starts crawling or walking
Spending time playing and bonding with your baby.
Understanding and helping your baby as they learn new things.
