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There are days when it feels like you’re in the trenches and you wonder, “Am I doing this right?”
You gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby. The nursing staff at the hospital was there at your every beck and call. Visitors and loved ones came to “oooh” and “aaaah” over your little miracle. And the most anticipated day came when you were finally discharged from the hospital. You’re ready to welcome your newest family member and usher them into the beautiful nursery where you spent countless months decorating, furnishing, and making it just right.
Then came your first night at home, together as one big happy family. The expectation that little one would sleep soundly through the night all came to a crashing halt when the crying and wailing set in. There’s no nurse call button to summon the hospital staff. You’re on your own!
That euphoric cloud you’ve been floating on suddenly dissipates and the weight of reality settles in. Holy cow! Pure exhaustion, sore nipples, and a very painful feeling “down there” is starting to take it’s toll.
This little human is now solely dependent on you for EVERYTHING. The weight of responsibility is overwhelming and you wonder if you really have what it takes to take care of this baby. Between all the changes your body goes through, the relational strain it takes on you and your spouse, and all the emotional feelings that come in waves, it’s normal to second guess your new parent abilities.
Can I tell you something? Any parent who has kids have all been there! You’re not alone.
Here are 5 ways to know you’re doing it right as a new parent:
1. Your baby stares into your eyes and gives you all kinds of feels! Regardless if you didn’t brush your hair or teeth and you smell like you’re in desperate need of a shower, that sweet little one you are holding thinks the world of you. They may not verbally say it to you, but their body language says it all. They love you! So the next time your baby stares into your eyes, give them a good snuggle and shower them with kisses and let them know how much you love them too.
2. Your baby has a bunch of dirty and wet diapers. I used to worry about whether or not my babies were getting enough to eat from my breastmilk. I worried about dehydration and hunger. I was just a big worry wart! But I found out later that it’s normal if your baby wets at least six diapers a day. All systems are a go at that point!
3. You and your baby nap together. Feeling especially tired these days? Don’t ever feel bad taking a nap when your baby goes down for one. I used to feel guilty for sleeping while my baby slept because there were so many other things I needed to do around the house. Give yourself a break! Sleep as much as you can.
4. You respond quickly to your baby’s needs. Think about it. Your baby only knows one way to communicate and that is to cry. She hasn’t formed words or sentences yet so every time she cries, which is a lot, it is really to get your attention. By quickly responding to her, you’re building trust with your baby that you’re there whenever she needs you.
5. With each new day, you are gaining more confidence. The truth is, no parent is perfect. In fact, there will be days when you feel like you don’t understand why your baby won’t stop crying or why she won’t sleep through the night. As my parents would tell me, “This too shall pass.” Every day is a learning experience. And every day, you’re learning more about your baby. You’ll look back when she’s a year old and think how did you get through it? Well, it’s because you’ve gained more confidence and experience. Give yourself a pat on the back and tell yourself you’re doing a good job.
What other ways can you tell you’re doing it right as a parent? Share it in the comments below!
