Baby ParentingTips and Advice
As one wise mother said, “Making the decision to have a baby is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” (Elizabeth Stone)Now you may find yourself more tired and more in love than you’ve ever been in your life. Your self-care is essential and yet may seem impossible! Remembering yourself may seem like the last thing on your long list of things-to-do (that aren’t getting done). That’s okay, this too shall pass. This is the time, though, to start the habit of doing something for yourself each day. Whether a cup of tea in the midst of laundry and dirty dishes, taking that moment to focus on yourself is important. Afterall, doesn’t your child deserve to have you at your best? Baby Parenting TipsSifting Through Parenting Resources and Baby Advice...There are a million books on pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care…and no doubt you’ve read a few of them! It gets harder to sift through the available information, though, when your baby now wants all of your attention! So, how do you decide what book to buy?Here are some Book Recommendations Your Baby Parenting Team...Sobonfu Some’, in ”The Spirit of Intimacy,” writes of her childhood in west Africa. She tells the story of realizing at age 7 that she came from only one mother! She thought all the adults in her life were her mothers and fathers, for that is how they treated her.So, yes, it does take a village to raise a child… So, who is in your village? Who is helping you stay sane? A parenting partner? A neighbor? Grandparents? A child needs more than only mom or dad to turn to when they have questions and needs. And, single parents or not, all parents need to reach out and find others to share in their parenting role. Finding parents who have babies and children who are a little older can give you more insights into what to expect and how to proceed than the many, many books on parenting. What a Baby Needs from You...
Take Comfort...Take HeartIt will happen sooner or later – your baby cries inconsolably in a restaurant or on an airplane. You feel the stares and begin to wish the floor would open and swallow you both even as you get hotter and, if you’re breastfeeding, your breasts begin to leak.How would you feel if you knew those stares were friendly? If you knew all those people were sending you soothing and ‘been there-done that’ vibes? If you knew their glances were filled with empathy and understanding? Every parent has been in your shoes and most would sympathize with you now. Twenty years later, I am still grateful to the mom standing behind me in the grocery line who offered to hold my crying baby while I maneuvered the cart, the credit card and my 2 year old! Look for ways to help each other and ask for help when you need it– there is usually a mom of older kids or a grandparent who would relish holding a baby again! You’d actually be doing them a favor! Looking for alternative ways to meet your child's health care needs? Dr. Peter Hanfileti, MD is a board-certified pediatrician who has expanded his practice to include Chinese medicine and Energy medicine. Browsing his website will give you some new and surprising insights... Principles for Parents Baby's Safety... is a top priority for new parents. For tips on car seat safety, minor first aid, and food safety see: Little Safe Ones. Have fun with your baby! Imagine knowing what your baby wants before they can talk! Babies can talk with their hands before they can speak! Do you live in the Portland, Oregon area? You can attend a Baby Sign Language 101 Workshop by Tiny Talkers & learn everything you need to know in one short session. Find out more about Baby Sign Language at... Tiny Talkers Portland Return to Child Stages
|
