I think it’s fair to say all new parents (and likely repeat parents) have anxiety. Especially during these uncertain times. Most people have babies without previous baby experience. A child’s first illness can be a traumatic time, top that off with busy schedules, financial responsibilities and the stresses increase. For today’s well being tip I am sharing a few of my naturopathic and mama pearls of wisdom for dealing with parental anxiety.
Rest
I know this goes without saying, but it’s amazing how quickly some families get back to the daily grind. You just had a baby! The only thing you should be doing is hanging out in bed, feeding your baby and taking care of yourself. Enjoy this time. I promise, you will wish for it in the upcoming months.
Practice saying yes!
When a neighbour asks if they can bring you something, say yes. When your friend says they are delivering you dinner, say yes. You can return the generosity in the future. It is those simple things that can make your day sparkle.
Support your nervous system
Let’s be honest, having a baby is stressful! Sleep is broken, your body is healing and you are adjusting to your new role as a parent. There are so many stress busting tips I can share. Some of my favorites are; chamomile tea, a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, a B complex taken daily, and some magnesium powder in the evening. You can never go wrong with good nutrition.
Get outside
Once you start feeling up for it, start get outside. Walk around the block or sit on your front porch. Keep it simple. Research shows being outdoors boosts serotonin and benefits mood. Something all new parents can use a little more of.
Talk to someone
Many patients share their birth stories with me, and many feel disappointment with their experiences. Birth doesn’t always go as planned. Talking about your birth experience and working through your emotions can be very therapeutic. If you or a loved one are worried about a family members mood, please seek professional help. These new days as parents are tough. We are overloaded with so many glossy pictures that people don’t often talk about “real” parenthood. Follow along on our weekly blog series. We will be sharing stories with words of wisdom from real parents that will hopefully make parenting easier and more fun.
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