Being a parent is a hard and arduous task. Much more if it's your first baby! Almost all things will be different, crazy different and you will always be asking yourself if you're doing the right thing or if you're being a good mom or a good dad.
Well, let's make that a bit easier for you. Here are a few things that you should know to stop or at least lessen your guilt and worry and just continue to be the best parent that you can for your dear little one.
1. All parents are different. Not all things that work for other parents will work for you too and vice versa. So just do what you think is best for your baby.
2. You need to give yourself and your partner a break every now and then.
3. You will go crazy over decorating the nursery but baby ends up sleeping with you.
4. Google helps. But sometimes it doesn't. Don't go crazy over googling everything. You will learn most all by yourself.
5. You will soon lose weight but be ready to be unable to wear those old jeans again.
6. Afraid to cut your baby's nails because you worry about making her bleed? But she'll probably scratch her self and she'll bleed. Just cut it.
7. Nursing is natural but doesn't necessarily come naturally. Don't worry if it's hard for you as a new mom, it's hard for us all. Just keep trying.
8. You will surely get tons of advice from all sorts of parents out there. Just put up a smile and do whatever you think is best for your baby. Like them, you're a parent too and it's your baby and your family now.
9. Your parents and your other parents (you're in-laws, of course), might always get in the way. It's okay to gently let them know that you're on top of everything. (Even though accept it, at times you aren't).
10. Let your other half do his/her thing. You need to keep in mind, both of you are a parent now. After all, it will give you your much needed breaks in the long run.
11. Don't get too excited about baby things. They won't need as much stuff as you think. And those that they need and will use, will end up in the storage in a few weeks or months.
12. You will feel so thrilled when baby starts saying "mama" or "dada" but he/she actually refers to the cat. That's fine. Perfectly normal.
13. You will find your self sniffing or peeking to check if the diaper's dirty. That's fine. But be sure to be discreet when out in public.
14. You and your other half will have different parenting strategies. Don't get too upset if he does things differently. Just let he do whatever he thinks is right.
15. Your baby will be fine if she cries for a few minutes so you can take a quick shower.
16. Talking to your baby out loud even when out in public is fine. People finds that totally normal and sweet.
17. Friends and relatives will visit a few weeks after you come home from the hospital. If your house doesn't look perfect. That's fine. They came to see the baby. Not your house.
18. Moms. Mood swings will get to you in a few weeks or even months after birth. You might find your self crying for no reason at all. And that's totally normal. But if you're finding it hard to cope up, find professional help.
19. Reading books to your baby is proven to be beneficial. But you don't need to literally read baby books. Find books, magazine or article that YOU like. Babies just want to hear your voice.
20. Feeling a bit strange towards your baby is normal. It'll go away.
21. Visiting friends with your baby once in a while is actually fine and important.
22. More so date nights with your significant other.
23. It's okay to give yourself a "Me time". It's actually beneficial for your whole family.
24. You will need some help. If someone offers to look over your baby, accept it and take a break.
25. Toys entertain babies. But almost anything does.
26. Spit ups are normal. But do look for abnormal signs and get professional help if needed.
27. You will try to defend everything you do. Well, that's normal too.
28. It's okay to get a few power naps every now and then especially when baby is asleep.
29. Stay-at-home moms and working moms feels the same guilt. Just for different reasons.
30. You and your significant other might find yourselves competing with each other. That's normal. But don't let it get in the way. Talk about it and discuss. You should be in this as a team.
31. Your baby will cry his/her heart out and will scream all they want. As long as you are sure that you had given him his needs (e.g changed his/her diaper, feed him/her, checked if he/she is uncomfortable and you are sure he/she isn't feeling any pain or is sick) he will be fine and will eventually fall asleep. Keep the faith.
32. It's your baby and your family. Do whatever you think is best for them.
I hope through this few eye-openers we are able to give you your much needed re-assurance that you are just being the best parent for your baby. Have some to add? Feel free to share it in the comments below! We'd love to learn from you too!
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