Being a new parent is exciting. But let’s be honest, if you’re a first-time parent, it also can be a bit scary. You want to do everything you can to protect your little one and keep him healthy and happy. So it’s natural to worry whether you’re doing everything right. While it may be impossible to completely prevent new parent jitters, there are several things you can probably stop worrying about including the following:

1. Reaching Baby Milestones on Schedule: You may have read all the baby books and learned when your baby should roll over, crawl, walk and say her first words. But babies have their own timeline. A combination of factors determines when your baby reaches certain milestones including genetics and temperament. While it’s important to recognize development delays, it’s also helpful to understand milestones are averages and have a wide range. If you remain concerned, just talk to your paediatrician about it.
2. The Little Things: Yep, your baby will make a mess and laundry may climb the walls. Sometimes you’ll eat junk for dinner and your house may not be very tidy. But it’s not worth it to get stressed about the little things. Learning to chill a bit can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and help you focus on what matters.
3. Spoiling Your Baby: You may have been told if you hold your baby too much you will spoil her. But researchers have concluded during the first six months, you can’t spoil a baby. Babies at this age benefit from being comforted when they cry.
4. Doing Everything Perfectly: Sure, you might know a parent who makes their own baby food, knits cute outfits and always looks like they have it together. But that’s the exception, not the rule. As a parent, there will be good days and days you’ll wonder if you’re doing it right. The good news is, you don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom or dad!
5. What Other People Think: Everyone has an opinion about when to wean your baby, how to get her on a schedule and whether you should go back to work or stay at home. But what really matters is what you and your partner think. You won’t please everyone. Trust your instincts and do what’s best for you and your family.
6. The Future: Sure, it’s normal to worry about whether you’ll be able to provide financially or if your little one will get into the best schools. But if you spend too much time worrying about the future, you may not enjoy the present. One day your baby will be three or seven or packing for college. It may sound cliché, but they really do grow up in the blink of an eye. Don’t be so busy thinking about tomorrow that you don’t live today.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When you were little, playing house with your baby dolls, the idea of one day becoming a parent probably seemed exciting and grownup—which, of course, it is. But as anyone who has ever awaited the birth of their first child knows, it is also terrifying and overwhelming. The new parent panic is real.

Becoming Mom or Dad is one of the greatest responsibilities any of us will ever take on, and the fear of not getting it right is enough to cause heart palpitations for even the most stoic amongst us.

Don’t worry, that panicked state of mind is normal. In fact, here are 6 occasions when you might as well just expect the anxiety to hit:

1. The First Night: You’re in the hospital after hours (or days) of labor, looking at your newborn with a love so intense you can’t even put it into words. And then it hits you: this little person is all yours. And they are so tiny, and fragile, and dependent. It’s okay to freak out a little as you succumb to the new parent panic… most people do.
2. Bringing Baby Home: Then it’s time to bring your baby home, and as you try to put him or her in the car seat, you realize—you have no idea what you’re doing. The nurses offer to help, which is great, but what are you going to do when they aren’t there? Who are you going to turn to then? (Deep breaths, it’s going to be okay.)
3. Breastfeeding: For some women, breastfeeding just happens naturally. For others, it’s more of a struggle. And when it doesn’t happen easily, new moms are prone to beating themselves up and feeling like they are letting their babies down. Instead of doing that, have your partner search for a lactation consultant who will come to your home to help.
4. The First Illness: There is nothing worse than a sick baby. They are already so helpless, and when their temperature goes above 99.5°F (37.5°C), or a little cough rattles through their chest, it’s natural to feel helpless yourself. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call the pediatrician.
5. The First Time You Leave: No matter how much you love your baby, you can’t be with him or her 24/7. Eventually, you will have to leave your little one with someone else—either to return to work, or to have a night out with your partner. That first time is hard for all new parents, but you’ll be fine. You may even find you enjoy it!
6. Every Other Day: Oh, wait… you thought the panics would stop after those first few months? Silly you! This parenting thing is a full time gig, from now until the end of your life. And the panics? They never stop. The new parent panic just becomes the experienced parent panic. From the first day of kindergarten to your babies becoming parents themselves; get ready for the most overwhelming, all-consuming job you’ve ever taken on. The good news? It’s all worth it!
   

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.