Therapists’ Tips On How To Enjoy Your Baby’s First Year

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Caring for an infant can be so challenging for a new mother; that’s why many of them deal with postpartum depression, according to therapists. From the second that you open your eyes, your mind goes toward changing the baby’s diaper or feeding him or her. Later, you may then need to wash their clothes and do other chores around the house. And if they cry all night, you surely can’t sleep too until they calm down.

Considering your days look like that, you can’t savor every moment with your newborn, especially after 12 months. It saddens me because babies are most precious during this period. You soil your chances instantly of making memories with them when you’re always busy.

See the tips below on how to enjoy your baby’s first year if you want to fix the situation.

Take A Chill Pill

The initial advice is to avoid pushing yourself to do this and that too much. Even though a year already passed since you gave birth, your body may be still adjusting. I wore postpartum underwear until my first-born reached 14 months as I menstruated heavily back then.

The thing is, you can’t hasten your recovery. Once you do, you may become irritable and miss out on your child’s initial year.

To me, mindfulness is about being attuned to physical senses. It’s about chirping birds, a breeze, the warmth of the sun. — Shonda Moralis MSW, LCSW

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Ask For Outside Help

Regardless of how well you delivered your baby out of your womb, remember that you are no superhero. There are household tasks you can do, such as cooking meals for your brood or folding the clean laundry. But you should let someone else perform more complex work, including vacuuming, dishwashing, and taking care of the garden.

Like I mentioned earlier, when you try to accomplish everything on your own, you can’t bond with your newborn. For sure, your husband, BFFs, and family members would love to help if you allow them. Just say the word, and they’ll be there.

Look instead for open-minded, open-hearted parents who recognize that all kids have good and bad qualities, good and bad days. —  Vicki Botnick, MA, MS, MFTI

Parent At Your Own Pace
Meeting other mommies and daddies has ups and downs. The advantage is that you get to learn techniques on how to nurture your son or daughter better. Its disadvantage, however, is that you tend to see the areas where you’re lacking or excelling. Thus, the comparison begins, which isn’t healthy at all.

Personally speaking, I find it exhausting to play friendly with other parents and scrutinize their behavior in your head. It matters to accept that, as human beings with various life principles, we all raise our child differently. No one has to “set the bar” because parenting isn’t a competition. So, hold your gears, and do it without worrying about others.

Women need to be able to be honest about their experiences as mothers and not be judged for it. —  Sarah Noel, MS, LMHC

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Treat Illnesses Stat

Since an infant’s immune system isn’t as robust as that of an adult, they can catch viruses quickly. A universal telltale sign that they’re not feeling well is that they won’t stop shedding tears. At that point, it’s best to check with their doctor to be sure about their condition.

Keep in mind, though, that you don’t have to give him or her the prescribed medication all the time. There are alternatives, i.e., gripe water for the baby and herbal medicine, that will function better in their system. All you need to do is run it by a health professional to prevent self-medicating.

Stick To A Routine

Though they can’t speak fluently just yet, a child’s body clock knows when it’s time for eating, sleeping, or pooping. A sense of familiarity is important to them, too; that’s why you or their favorite object should always be around.

In case a single activity in their usual routine goes out of the loop, the infant can be anxious. A few may merely not want to sleep or eat, but many turn to bawling to show their disapproval. It becomes effortless, therefore, to enjoy your baby’s first year when you stick to a fixed schedule.

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Allow The Child To Cry Out Loud

I understand if a baby’s crying sounds like music to your ears the first time they enter the world only. When you hear that too often, you may wish to calm them immediately with milk, toys, or treats. Isn’t that right?

Well, I learned from a pediatrician that crying their eyes out occasionally actually comes with benefits. Apart from strengthening their lungs and cleaning their tear ducts, it also teaches them to self-soothe. That means that your child will manage to quiet down once they realize that you won’t move to appease them. While it may take several tries, this technique indeed works.

Now, are you ready to enjoy your baby’s first year? Don’t waste another day and follow the tips you read above. Good luck!