The moment you see your baby’s face, everything in your world changes. It’s a time of incredible joy and emotion, and when it’s time to bring the baby home, your whole routine will change.
While many new parents anticipate sleepless nights and lifestyle changes, they can also start feeling the pressure to juggle it all.
Feeding schedules, keeping the house clean, work demands, and the physical adjustment of birth and lack of sleep can cause parents to settle into survival mode.
But the world of parenthood was never meant to be isolated or handled alone. Support is absolutely crucial, especially during those first few weeks and months – and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Here are some signs that you might be trying to carry too much as a new parent and how reaching out for support can make a big difference.
When to Ask For Help
You always feel exhausted.
Having a newborn means your sleep schedule will be disrupted. And while all new parents are tired, there’s a difference between feeling sleep deprived and utterly depleted.
If you are struggling to feel like yourself even after you get a solid stretch of rest, or you’re finding yourself unable to mentally or emotionally function, it’s time to ask for assistance.
If you don’t, persistent exhaustion can negatively impact on your patience and ability to regulate emotions or your relationship with your partner or other children in the home.
You might also notice a decline in mental health, and you may have a hard time enjoying the special moments with your new baby.
You have little to no time for yourself.
If your basic self-care is lacking, it’s a sign that your workload is too much. Skipped showers and cold coffee occasionally is completely normal during this life stage, but if you’re noticing consistency in forgetting or skipping meals, not drinking enough water, or you’re ignoring your own physical recovery or mental health, take a moment to reassess how much you’re taking upon yourself.
Caring for another person well means you must care for yourself, too.
You’re feeling extreme emotions.
There are lots of ups and downs that come with being a parent. However, if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, sadness, or panic – do not ignore it.
You don’t need to wait until you are feeling overwhelmed to ask for him. Support can come from your doctor or other health care provider, a therapist well-versed in post-partum care, family and friends, neighbors, or by hiring an in-home support team consisting of a newborn care specialist, housekeeper, nanny, or family assistant.
Your relationships are strained.
Bringing a new baby home is an adjustment for any home, no matter how strong your relationship with your partner or kids is.
However, if you’re seeing more frequent arguments or disagreements, feeling more resentment, or are experiencing a feeling of disconnect or emotional distance, think about ways you can free up time for meaningful connection and communication.
This generally comes by asking for an extra hand so you can have some one-on-one time.
Remember, trying to ‘do it all’ isn’t necessary. Trying to maintain a spotless home, perfect your baby’s sleep schedule or feeding routines, work a job, and hold to ideal parenting standards you set for yourself simply won’t work all the time.
The newborn stage, as tiring and emotional as it can be, is short. So, the sooner you ask for support, the better able you’ll be to soak up the snuggles and love that your new baby has to give.
Hiring a Newborn Care Specialist Can Make a Difference
Hiring an experienced newborn care specialist (NCS) truly takes the pressure off of you as you navigate your new life as a parent.
This person can help establish feeding and sleep schedules, assist with the baby’s laundry and bottle cleaning, and even help with other home tasks or lactation support.
They provide support so you can take a nap, run an errand, grab lunch with a friend or go on a dinner date with your spouse, or catch up on work emails.
Your newborn care specialist can truly be your right-hand support person during the first few weeks and months of life with your baby.
Finding the right NCS can bring a calming, peaceful presence to your home, helping protect your health, strengthen your relationships, and show up more fully for your child.
