“The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter, is love her mother.”
WORDS OF WISDOM
Imprinting…Unravelling an Over-Processed Approach to Parenting
The lifelong journey of parenting is one of the most relentless and rewarding you are likely to ever experience. This is an exciting, exhausting period where life’s experiences can be enjoyed and at times dismayed over. At times it may feel like a large exercise in troubleshooting, frustration and experimentation.
Self-care for Parents
Becoming a parent is perhaps one of the most rewarding life experiences one can have. For many, it can also be one of the most challenging and at times, downright exhausting period of adult life. Being a parent does not necessarily begin from the time your little bundle of joy arrives into this world.
Becoming a Parent … the bits we don’t talk about
The first few months after having a baby is a period of time like no other.
It is life stage that arrives after many months of growing a new life inside of you and constantly adjusting to all the biological and psychological changes that brings. The arrival of your baby is a powerful event, regardless of delivery style. Your infant must slowly unfurl into a world of bright lights, noise, pollution and new experiences and you must recover from a life-changing period of physical change and emotional upheaval.
To Honour Mothers Everywhere
BECOMING A MOTHER …. nothing compares
Time is running out for my friend. We are sitting at lunch when she casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of “starting a family.” What she means is that her biological clock has begun its countdown and she is being forced to consider the prospect of motherhood.
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle
Becoming a mother for the first time changes you. You are no longer responsible for only you, but have at least one other person completely reliant on you. This is often the time where it is easy to forget you are not only a mum or dad, but you also remain an individual with needs and aspirations of self.
20 Ways Motherhood Changed Me
Before I was a Mum
#1 I never looked into tiny teary eyes and cried.
#2 I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
#3 I never recognised the feeling of triumph in getting a baby to sleep.
#4 I had never been puked on, pooped on, chewed on or peed on.
#5 I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
Healthy Attachments
Newborns have changed very little in evolutionary terms since we emerged as a separate species when we became upright. As our pelvic shape altered to allow us to stand on two feet, and our brains grew larger from using our hands more, babies needed to be born much earlier to be able to fit through this new shaped pelvis with their now large head. This meant that our babies are born very prematurely: probably about nine months prematurely.
The Emotional Well-being of Babies and Young Children
At the very beginning of family – with the much anticipated arrival of a brand new baby – excited parents undoubtedly want the very best for their newborn child. Often physical needs, such as comfort, warmth, hygiene, health and safety are foremost in parents’ minds. There may even be plans in place for future needs, such as childcare, health insurance and school choices. But what of a newborn’s mental health? A somewhat mystical consideration perhaps. Who knew that babies had a mental health and what is the best way to optimise this precious commodity for future wellbeing?
An Opportunity to Re-discover that Silver Lining to the Corona Lockdown for New Parents
After months of preparing for dreamy newborn days with partner by your side, friends and family visiting with hearty congratulations, admiration, gifts, love and hugs. Having the opportunity to proudly present your warm and soft, rather cute, newborn to the world, fresh with that unique newborn smell.
It’s Ok To Be Frightened Right Now
It’s Okay to be frightened right now … you are bringing a baby into a brave new world
Nobody said it was going to be easy. Nor will this changed time be over quickly. The world is changed forever. There is a great unknown and so many unanswerable questions, at the moment. The thought of being pregnant and having a baby at this historic time, with so much up in the air, may feel somewhat overwhelming, even frightening, but it WILL be OK.
Newborn Sleep Patterns
The average newborn sleeps much of the day and night, waking only for feedings every few hours. It is often hard for new parents to know how long and how often a newborn should sleep. Unfortunately, there is no set schedule at first and newborns mostly remain on a twenty-four hour clock — and when they are first home from hospital they often think they are supposed to be awake at night and sleep during the day.
Perinatal Mental Health
Pregnancy and adjusting to a new baby can be rewarding, but also brings changes and challenges. While some days will be better than others, for some women who experience mental health problems each day is a struggle.
Bring on all the good advice … said no mum ever!
Being pregnant for the first time is one of the most incredible experiences of a woman’s life. There is the sense of wonder at the way your body unfolds, making room for this unknown being who is about to become the centre of your universe. There is also the terror, punctuated by exhaustion and uncertainty.
Busting Newborn Myths
Bringing home a newborn can feel terrifying. Especially when you have had a number of well-meaning friends and family offering their unsolicited advice and expertise. Being unable to measure up to societal expectation may leave you feeling like a failure.
Parent- Infant Attachment …what is that?
Newborns have changed very little in evolutionary terms since we emerged as a separate species when we became upright. As our pelvic shape altered to allow us to stand on two feet, and our brains grew larger from using our hands more, babies needed to be born much earlier to be able to fit through this new shaped pelvis with their now large head. This meant that our babies are born very prematurely: probably about nine months prematurely.
Want more articles?
Visit the CPH&P Director, Louise Shalders’ website to read more of her articles related to Perinatal Health & Parenting. She is passionate about providing quality reading…