5 Things First Time Parents Wish They’d Known Sooner

By Sophia Hanson

“I can’t believe they’re actually going to let us walk out of here with this baby” – this is a feeling many first-time parents experience when they’re told ‘you can take the baby home now’. It’s often met with a flurry of panic, not least over how to install the car seat!

There are so many things that first time parents wish they had been told, so here I am, sharing five of them to help you sleep better at night, and know that you’re in good company.

Number four is a firm favourite for almost every new mum I’ve supported over the past five years.

1) You will feel self-conscious on the first few outings.

It takes time to get used to baby slings, car seats or prams etc, expect it all to feel a bit clunky and give yourself a break knowing that you’ll get used to these over time. You might also feel like people are staring at you; chances are they’re thinking ‘look at that cute baby’.

2) You will likely apologise when your baby cries or you feel you’re taking up space.

I’ve never been annoyed to step onto the road to make way for a pushchair, you probably haven’t either. Be sweet to yourself. Take up the space. If your baby cries, tend to your baby and block out the outside world.

3) You might feel like you ‘disappeared’ or became ‘invisible’ for the first few months.

Perhaps you’ve become ‘the parent of baby name’, instead of who you’ve been all your life. You’ll be referred to as mum or dad, and far less frequently by your own name. Take a good look in the mirror and remind yourself that you do exist.

4) You’ll grieve the life you used to have –and instantly feel guilty.

Even if you were desperate to have a baby it’s natural to feel shocked at how your life has changed overnight. It might take a while to adjust to your role as a parent; enjoy all the moments you can and ask for help whenever you need it.

5) Everybody becomes an expert on what you ‘should do’ when it comes your baby’s feeding or sleep regime.

Learn to trust yourself when it comes to what your baby needs. Social media is swimming in so called expert opinions, but none of that is a substitute for your intuition as a parent. If you’re concerned, seek medical or genuine expert support, otherwise, find what works for your baby.

What else would you add to this list? Drop me a message and let me know.

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