The birth of a baby comes with excitement, exhaustion, stress and a variety of other emotions. Birthing and parenting classes offer some preparation, but the majority of parenting skills develop through hands-on interaction with the newborn. The first few months of your baby's life pass quickly, whether difficult or easy, so take time to enjoy your baby at this stage.
Trust Your Instincts
A newborn comes with a great deal of unsolicited advice from well-meaning friends and family. You often receive conflicting advice, depending on the parenting philosophy of the person offering it. While experienced parents can help you through the difficult newborn phase, remember to trust your own instincts. You know what is best for your child and have her best interests in mind. The more you trust in your instincts, the more confident you will become as a parent.
Accept Help
The website for Parents magazine recommends accepting help that is offered during the newborn phase. Family, friends and neighbors often extend a helping hand during the first few months of your baby's life. Accepting their help doesn't make you less of a parent. A short break often gives you a chance to catch your breath so you can feel refreshed.
Professional resources also offer help to parents of newborns. If you plan to breastfeed, take advantage of the lactation consultants at the hospital, even after you are discharged. Many hospitals schedule support groups for new parents.
Make it a Team Effort
New moms sometimes have difficulty stepping back and allowing the new dad to handle the direct parenting responsibilities. And constant criticism or corrections may cause the father to resist taking on more of the baby duty. But make parenting a team effort from the very beginning. This will ensure that neither one of you becomes overwhelmed. The Parents website recommends assigning specific duties to each parent.
Stay Flexible
The first few months involve lots of trial and error as you figure out your newborn's preferences and rhythm. His natural routine will likely change several times during the newborn phase as he adjusts to life outside the womb. The Mayo Clinic recommends following your baby's lead to create a workable routine. Stay flexible as your baby grows, and his needs change.
