Navigating Parenthood: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Discover the realities of transitioning to parenthood, from cultural influences to household challenges. Learn about managing expectations, supporting your partner, and finding balance in this new journey.
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Presentation Transcript
Transitioning to Parenthood Helping Parents Know What to Expect By: Aery Ng MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist Paola Morales Community Health Worker, SW
? Expectation Versus Reality ? Preparing Partner ? Nighttime Parenting ? Normal Newborn Behaviours- cries and cues ? Bonding ? Introducing Baby ? Finances ? Terminology ? Self-Care Topics
Expectation Versus Reality Information on parenting - Where do we get this information from? Parents/Family/friends ? Colleagues ? Social Media - IG ? Healthcare providers ? Advertisements ? Movies/shows ? INFORMATION OVERLOAD!
Expectation Versus Reality: Cultural and Generational ? Input from parents/guardians/relatives ? What to do and what not to do ? Culture specific ? Do not shower for 30 days ? Cleansing of the body ? Cultural practices ? Sleep Training - Taking Cara Babies ? Sleeping in crib versus cosleeping ? Breast milk VS. Formula ? Fed is best
Expectation Versus Reality ? Household ? Chores not done - messy house ? Must be ready ? Unmet expectations ? Sleeping through the night, Sleep training ? Sleep will change ? Easy to feed ? Acid reflux ? Developing routines ? The routine is the newborn s routine - can be erratic ? Bonding - breastfeeding ? Other ways to bond ? Date nights/socializing ? Seldom to zero date nights
Expectations VS. Reality: WHAT NOW?! ? What do we do? ? Being present - assess the situation, prioritize ? Self-awareness and Self-compassion ? Develop flexible plans ? Working together - it s okay to ask for help ? Uber, bring food over and socialise, play dates, etc. ? Taking turns
Preparing partner ? What do you think the partner s role is after the baby is born? ? https://dadcentral.ca/newdadmanual/# ? Limiting visitors ? Supporting the birthing mother ? Words of encouragement ? Comforting words ? Massages ? Household tasks ? Getting/making food E
Preparing Partner contd ? Taking over when needed ? Holding/ wearing baby ? Bathing baby ? Change diapers ? Learning curve for all ? May need to make temporary adjustments to sleep environment ? Communication will be key ? Have realistic expectations - there may be a knowledge deficit that you are unaware off ? Keep it light and humorous as much as possible E
Nighttime Parenting Q: what have you heard about nighttime parenting What parents try: Sleep training ? Weighted blankets/ sleepers----- RISK OF SIDS ? Swaddling ? Overfeeding as a way to get babies to sleep longer ? Formula feeding ? Reality: Important to understand it is about (creating) a healthy sleep environment; ? dim lights, sleepy music vs routine ? Need to be soothed ? Important to remember baby will be leading, important to follow their cues, hunger, satiation, sleep, etc. ? Natural biorhythm ?
Nighttime Parenting Nighttime parenting isn't a set of sleep strategies, it's a relationship. ? ? Your role in nighttime parenting is to create a sleep inducing environment and help your baby develop a healthy attitude about sleep. ? Develop a realistic mindset about night nursing ? Be open to try different sleep arrangements ? Remember baby to frequently feed during the day ? Refill tiny tummies before you retire and offer both breast during that final feeding ? Try to change the baby before the final feeding ? Prop your baby to a 30 degree angle: reflux
Normal Newborn Behaviours- Cries and Cues Is your Baby hungry or tired? (231) Is Your Baby Hungry or Tired? | Baby Hunger vs. Fatigue with Dr. Sarah Mitchell - YouTube ? Sleeping cues video- (88) Subtle Signs Your Baby Uses to Tell You What They Need (So You Can Soothe Them Quicker) - YouTube ? Rolling of the eyes ? Limp/ relaxed body ? Rubbing eyes ? suck a finger ? ? Fussiness Overstimulated ? Gassy tummy- ? E
Normal Newborn Behaviours, Cues and Cries cont d Stress signs Stiff body, hands up by face ? Rapid breathing ? Eyes widen ? Stimulate reflexes ? May not respond right away to comfort ? Heightened breathing De-escalation/ calming is important, patience E
BONDING: What entails good parenting? ? Is about the physical, emotional, social support that provides the foundation for bonding and attachment ? To have skill sets to achieve goals to help you to parent confidently ? Focusing on the kind of child you want to have ? Helps you develop your parenting style ? Meeting the baby/child s needs
Bonding Parenting is about maintaining the right balance of health for mom and baby Encompasses birth to 6 years old ? a pathway that allows you to help your child to achieve their goals, supports child s likes and dislikes, helps parent to create a routine ? Think about your parenting style before baby comes- parents may have different styles, communicating will be key as differences arise ? Breastfeeding promotes bonding ? The baby can never be too attached!!
Still Face Experiment (88) Still Face Experiment Dr Edward Tronick - YouTube ? Parenting Styles: (231) 4 Parenting Styles and Their Effects On You - YouTube
Introducing Baby to Sibling(s) ? Before baby s arrival ? Setting the tone on what to expect ? Big brother/sister books ? Participation - announcements ? Make a welcome card together ? Baby s gift to sibling ? Favourite toy ? Card to sibling
Finances ? Save money where you can ? Hand-me-downs ? Buy used ? Once Upon a Child ? Thrift Stores ? Join Facebook Groups ? Pass It On
Terminology ? Baby Led Weaning (BLW) ? Gentle Parenting ? Baby Wearing ? Sleep Training
Self-Care Recognize the signs of burnout, extreme anxiety, and possible symptoms of depression ? Rage ? Traumatic - similar sounds, songs Different for everyone Come up with a list of what works Examples: ? Getting sleep ? Walks, exercise ? Self-compassion ? Socializing ? Faith/religion ? ? ? ?
Resources Please click on the link in the chat box to access additional resources and the presentation slides: https://www.hrfht.com/community-resources-support/news/story/session-7- community-prenatal-class-resources-transitioning-to-parenthood Website: https://www.bcchc.com/ Phone: 416-249-8000 Email: info@bcchc.com Twitter @BlackCreekCHC Instagram @blackcreek_chc E
Wrap Up and Evaluation Thank you for attending all the sessions! Your Feedback is Important to us, Please click on the link in the chat box to complete a short evaluation. Link for evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14e8Irbc_c500eca2CDtGjJfhMhPo3yE79nZ DKTaD16g/edit#responses
