Preparation for baby. You’ve read countless sources on the topic of baby care and development. You’ve asked dozens of people questions about how to handle the frenzied first week. You’ve created a cozy “nest,” where your little one will sleep and play.
Diapers – check…layette – complete…crib – ready.
Then, maybe during the night, when you’ve finally settled yourself into a comfortable sleep, or maybe during the day, as you reach for a file at work, your water breaks. Or you get a phone call or text from your loved one, her contractions have started. It is time, time to welcome a new person into your life.
You are ready, but have you truly prepared yourself for the always exciting, never-ending, completely exhausting, and utterly rewarding role of parent?
Check out my breakdown of the word – parent – below. I don’t know you personally, but I do know the following advice will come in handy as you embark on the fabulous journey of being a mom or dad.
P – Patience.
Making the transition to parent requires extreme patience. I guarantee there will be times when you feel that you’ve reached the end of your rope. Maybe you haven’t slept in what seems like days, or you don’t feel well, but remain patient with your infant. Soon, the grueling days will end, and you will be rewarded in ways you never imagined.
A – Acceptance.
Your baby has colic – accept it! Breastfeeding didn’t work out – accept it! He or she can’t sit up yet, but your friend’s baby who is the same age can – accept it! Life throws you curve balls, little snags you don’t expect. The faster you learn to accept reality, and cherish the amazing child you have, the better! Accept the baby, and accept yourself.
R – Rest. This means you! Both mom and dad need plenty of rest the first month after baby is born. You’ve probably heard this advice before, but it must be heeded. Rest when you can; being a parent is physically and mentally exhausting.
E – Enjoy.
Try not to take yourself too seriously at this special time. Baby will be fine. Not every decision is monumental. Sometimes new parents strive for perfection, instead of just enjoying their new little one. The first year of life literally zooms by, so don’t waste a moment being too hard on yourself.
N – Nurture.
Of course you will nurture your newborn. Don’t forget to nurture yourself and your relationships as well. Depending on your personality, you may only need a quick trip to the store to recharge your batteries, or you may need one night of uninterrupted sleep in order to feel better, but do nurture yourself. And make time to be a couple.
T – Trust.
Trust your instincts when it comes to your son or daughter. Only a parent knows what is best for his or her baby. You will receive both wanted and unwanted advice, so prepare yourself to implement useful information and to discard outdated or unwanted notions.
Congratulations – you are a parent!