This article details how new parents can support themselves and their loved ones during pregnancy.
There are things new parents can do to support themselves, here are some suggestions:
- Look after your nutrition and physical wellbeing. Eating well and staying active can ensure you remain feeling good, and exercise is a proven stress management technique.
- Stay connected with colleagues and people from ‘before’ the new baby arrives. It can be easy to quickly feel distant and separate from what’s happening at work or even socially ‘pre-parenting’. A coffee catch up or even a phone call can keep you feeling connected.
- Make some time for yourself and your partner, even if it is a ‘debrief’ together at the end of a busy day. Try and share what you’re feeling with each other and lean on each other for support at what can be a demanding time. Simply talking about how we are feeling can make a world of difference.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others – many of us find ourselves spending ‘down time’ scrolling through social media, only to be left feeling like we’re not doing as well as others. Remember that this is your journey, you know your baby best, and often the true story behind pictures is very different. Be mindful of how social media makes you feel and utilise the support it can give rather than allow it to get you down.
- Be easy on yourself. Being a parent can be hard work, and those first few months after a child arrives are challenging for most! It’s good to acknowledge that babies are hard work, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you.