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Stress and the First Year of Parenthood:
The first year of parenthood
is a memorable time. You’re getting to know your baby and becoming
acclimated to your role as a parent. You learn how to feed your baby,
how to clothe him or her, and even how to medicate your baby. Every
few weeks, you check with your pediatrician’s office to chart
your baby’s growth. It is, in fact, an incredible period of
growth for both you and your baby.
However, there is also a great deal
of stress associated with new parenthood. You often have to toss aside
your pre-conceived notions as you actually experience motherhood or
fatherhood. You may be stressed out by the endless diapers and mounting
piles of laundry…by the constant feedings…and by your
newborn’s continual crying. At times, you may even wonder whether
you’re really cut out for parenthood.
The important thing to remember is
that every new parent feels stress. It is, in fact, part of the job.
And the stress will continue once your child is in school, once your
child becomes a teenager, and once your child starts college. In essence,
the moment your baby is born begins a lifetime of stress for you and
your mate.
How can you best combat new baby-stress?
Recognizing the amount of stress you’re under is an important
first step. Many new parents become frustrated and irritable, never
realizing that they are simply reacting to stress. Given the fact
that new parents often get little sleep, the stress can be easily
compounded.
Once you recognize your stress, it
is important to engage in some stress relief. For many parents, this
will mean calling Grandma and Grandpa to take over during the rough
times. Just a few hours away from your baby can help you to re-charge
your batteries, enabling you to improve your coping skills. It can
be particularly helpful if you and your mate arrange a date night
while your baby is with the grandparents. This couple time can be
extremely relaxing and beneficial for your relationship.
A simple technique you can use is
to play lullabies—not just for your baby, but for yourself as
well. There is something so soothing about a pleasant lullaby—it
can take a great deal of the tension away. Singing with your baby
can also help to cement the bond between you and can help to eliminate
stress. You might even try dancing with your baby—the best dances
include both parents! Taking the time to relax with your baby can
help to reduce the tension you feel.
Books can be another helpful resource.
There are a number of books on the market that tell you what to expect
during your baby’s first year. For instance, many offer doctor’s
recommendations on when it is necessary to call the pediatrician,
and when a home remedy will work just as well. Reading such “baby
how-to” books can take a great deal of the stress out of first
year parenting.
Arranging play dates for your baby
can also be quite therapeutic. In some cases, you might be able to
drop your baby off at a friend’s house while you do your shopping,
cleaning, or other chores. In other cases, arranging a play date offers
you the opportunity to get together with other mothers and fathers
who share similar stresses. Just talking with other parents might
help to ease your worries tremendously.
Another tried-and-true formula for
dealing with new baby stress is to put the baby in a stroller and
start walking. Just a short walk around the block can help to clear
your head, helping you to better deal with the demands of new parenthood.
You might even enlist a friend to walk with you. Some mothers and
fathers even buy special jogging strollers so that they can run while
their babies roll along. Such exercise can be quite relaxing, especially
after a hard day around the play pen.
Your new baby should
be the light of your life. Therefore, you shouldn’t let stress
ruin your relationship. By employing some simple coping strategies,
you can learn to love your new life—despite all the stresses
involved. You’ll wake up each day refreshed, and ready to take
on the day’s challenges.
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