Parental Pressure: 5 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Parent
Photo: Xavier Mouton Photographie / Unsplash
If you’re new to the parenting game, you’re probably navigating a gamut of emotions that are sometimes more overwhelming than positive. You may feel you’re not adequately prepared for all the nursing, diaper changing, and caring that accompanies your new role as a parent.
Thankfully, you can move past this anxiety and stop doubting your capabilities as a parent. To help you on this journey, here are five things you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed and doubtful of your ability to handle parenthood:
- Alternate Between Bottle Feeding and Breastfeeding
For many new parents, one of the most demanding tasks is breastfeeding when the baby is expecting milk. Many moms cannot do anything else as they feel that their whole day goes into feeding.
For those returning to work, it might be ideal to alternate between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. All you need to do is find the best formula for newborns and see how your baby takes it. With this hybrid feeding approach, you can breastfeed when time permits and allow your baby to thrive on formula when breast milk is not available. It’ll also be easier to leave your baby with someone else while you run errands if your baby is accustomed to drinking bottled milk.
- Make Things Easier for Yourself
While tending to your new baby’s whims and desires in the rush of the day, you may feel too tired or stressed to cook meals from scratch. A good suggestion would be to stock your freezer with some marinated protein, frozen vegetables and meals, and savory treats.
Freezing easy yet delicious meal options makes it easier for parents to ensure the family gets all the nutrition they need to thrive. In addition, it allows you to cut down on cooking time so you can spend more time with your little one and any visitors coming to see them.
- Journal to Release Your Emotions
Nobody expects you to just slip seamlessly into your role as a new parent. Indeed, there will be days when time flies by, and you feel you have nothing figured out. These days, when emotions get the better of you, jot down your feelings.
Expressing your feelings is therapeutic. If you don’t find comfort in confiding in the blank pages of a diary, speak to a family member or a friend about how you feel. Doing these things can help to change your perspective and feelings about the situation.
- Get Visitors to Help
It’s hard to ask visitors to stay away when a new bundle of joy has just come home. However, the constant influx of visitors can be exhausting. To avoid this, make the most of their drop-ins by having them help out around the house.
You can’t expect an aunt to clean your floors for you, but you can ask her to care for your baby while you shower. Sometimes just getting a much-needed break away from the baby’s room to process your thoughts and feelings is all you need.
- Find a New Routine Amidst the Chaos
Many new parents feel overwhelmed because they don’t know what to expect from each new day. You had a set routine when you were working, but caring for a newborn makes life unpredictable. In such circumstances, establishing a new routine is crucial.
The key to a solid routine is to include a few self-care activities every day. These can be simple, like setting aside a few minutes to straighten your hair or write in your journal.
While your journey into parenthood will still be filled with uncertainty, the tips above should help you manage it more effectively.
