Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most beautiful moments a parent will ever experience: the newborn smell, how they curl up into your body as if they were still in the womb, and the sounds— their little squeaks, tiny cries, and quiet breaths. That said, becoming a new parent feels different and has moments of difficulty for everyone. Don’t feel bad if things don’t come naturally to you or if you aren’t overwhelmed with joy right away.
There is much to discover when becoming a new parent, and being prepared for parenthood is essential. Outside of enjoying newborn snuggles, there is a lot that comes along with starting this new journey that isn’t always openly talked about. And it has nothing to do with “the best baby swing” or “5 ways to swaddle a newborn.”
Birthing options
There are choices worth exploring when it comes to testing, scans, which healthcare professionals you use, and where the birth takes place. In Canada, some birth options include: giving birth in a hospital with either an OBGYN or a midwife, at home with a midwife, or at a birthing center. The scans, tests, and medications administered to the mom and baby during pregnancy and after birth are also important to understand. Since these options will vary from person to person, it’s best to discuss all your choices and what’s best for you with your primary healthcare provider.
Postpartum healing and care
New parents can become so focused on caring for their baby that they forget to care for themselves. Sleep deprivation and lack of support can make finding time for self-care even more challenging. Eating properly, staying hydrated, and moving your body in a safe way will allow you to be at your best—for both you and your baby.
How you will get to and from well-baby appointments, who will make meals, who will wake up for night feedings, and other logistical details are things to plan for. Having a plan in place makes the transition into parenthood a little easier.
Your general practitioner will see you for a 6-week postpartum check-up to ensure your body is healing properly after giving birth, but additional care during the postpartum period can be beneficial. Some services that could be helpful to new parents include a doula, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and mental health support if you’re not feeling like yourself.
Expectation vs Reality
Babies are unpredictable! Having a plan is great, but be flexible and ready for change. Be aware of the hopes and aspirations you might have for your new life with your baby, and take some time to think about what it might be like if things don’t go as expected. For example, becoming pregnant might take longer than anticipated, you might have hoped for an epidural but discover it’s not an option, or the childcare you had lined up might no longer be available. These are just a few examples of unforeseen circumstances that would benefit from having a plan B.
Boundaries with family and friends
It can be difficult to imagine what these boundaries might look like for you without yet experiencing parenthood, but talking to other parents about their experiences can be insightful. Think about who you want to be present at the birth, when (and if) you’d like visitors, who the visitors will be, and how you’ll respond to well-meaning friends and family who give unsolicited parenting advice.
Childcare
Explore what parental leave options are available for both parents, if applicable. Having childcare options, leave, or work-from-home accommodations in place before the baby arrives can help you feel more comfortable. It will also give you a sense of what future childcare options and decisions may look like down the line. If you will need childcare, get on waitlists early and schedule visits to daycare centers, as they can be difficult to get into.
Embark is Canada’s education savings and planning company. The organization aims to help families and students along their post-secondary journeys, giving them innovative tools and advice to take hold of their bright futures and succeed.
