All parents must have made mistakes, because actually being a parent is not an easy job, especially if it is the first experience.
It's natural for new parents to make some mistakes they're not even aware of. If you're a new parent, it's important to know what the most common mistakes are, so you can avoid them.
Recognizing New Parents' Mistakes
The arrival of a baby is not like buying an item that has been accompanied by a guide book. Not infrequently, parents still have a big question mark on life after having children.
Here are some common mistakes new parents make that you can use as a guide:
1. Easily influenced by others
After your little one is born, opinions from the internet, your in-laws, or your parents about caring for a newborn can run through your head. Not infrequently, these opinions contradict and make you think back and forth and change decisions. In fact, these opinions are not certain the truth.
Basically, you and your little one already have a bond of their own. So, you need to trust your instincts as a mother instead of listening to other people's suggestions that may not necessarily match what your baby needs.
If you're really confused, seek the opinion of an expert, such as a pediatrician, to help you make a decision.
2. Difficulty accepting a new bedtime routine
Many new parents complain or find it difficult to accept that they are getting too little sleep. In fact, all parents will definitely experience this. In fact, not a few parents can only sleep for 2-3 hours every night.
Therefore, it would be better if you prepare yourself to accept this routine. Take it easy, over time the child will have a more regular sleep pattern, how come. At that time, your sleep pattern can also return to normal.
3. Overreacting or panicking
Many new parents overreact if their baby is experiencing something, such as vomiting, fever, or won't stop crying. Even the little things can be confusing. In fact, this kind of attitude can actually make you make decisions or take unwise actions.
In order not to make this mistake, arm yourself with sufficient knowledge about baby health from a trusted source. Also, try to be calm and use your maternal instincts to feel what your little one needs.
4. Ignoring partner
Breastfeeding, petting, and changing your little one's diaper are routines that you have to do and are quite time and energy consuming. Even so, don't make this an excuse to forget about caring for your husband.
If necessary, set aside a special day for a date alone with your husband. You can entrust your little one to your family or someone you trust to take care of him for a few hours. Having children does not mean the intimacy of husband and wife should be reduced, yes.
5. Too domineering caring for the baby
A mother generally feels more capable of taking care of a baby than a father. In fact, the mother should also give the opportunity for the father to take care of the baby. Remember, you can be overwhelmed if you do everything yourself and your husband needs to spend time with your little one too.
nowIf your husband is trying to help, don't immediately scold or criticize when something is not comfortable with you. Just give suggestions, such as, "Dad, don't play with him yet, he'll just eat and he'll worry about throwing up." That way, your husband's fatherly attitude will form automatically.
6. Less use of nap time
According to surveys, parents can lose 400–750 hours of sleep in the first year of having children. Therefore, you should optimize your nap time to cover your lack of sleep at night. In addition, when your little one sleeps, you should also sleep.
7. Lack of focus on healing after childbirth
After giving birth, don't forget that your body also needs attention during post-delivery recovery, especially if you gave birth by caesarean section. You need to eat well-nourished foods, drink lots of water, and get enough rest to speed up your recovery.
Being a new parent is hard. It's natural for mistakes to happen that you don't intend or want. In addition, the lessons to be learned from caring for the first child are invaluable. So, enjoy these times of struggle with your partner.
If you do feel overwhelmed by circumstances, don't hesitate to ask for help. However, it's best to ask your family or trusted caregiver for help. If necessary, you can too you know consult a doctor regarding how to care for your first child.
