A New Beginning
Life is hard enough if you really know what you’re doing, and who do you know that fits that description? We’re all basically just figuring it out as we go along. So what does that mean for you as a parent, beyond admittedly understandable existential terror? Well, one, it means take a few breaths and don’t freak out, everyone—even the richest folks—are the same.
Two, it means every advantage you should give your new baby, you should give your new baby; because even people at the top of the economic “food chain” go off the rails. Certainly, you want to be sure what you provide your child is legitimate advantage. Spoiling a child rotten is not advantageous, so there’s a balance here.
On the one hand, your baby needs rest, love, and nutrition. On the other, the child needs mental stimulation. However, babies don’t know what’s best, and neither do children. Often adults don’t know!
You can’t just give them anything they want; too much candy leads to illness. There’s a balance. Getting it right starts during infancy. Following we’ll explore three basic steps to help give your little one the best head start possible.
1. Simply Being There
This sounds more simple than it is. In the modern world, mothers are expected to work, and businesses just don’t offer a two-year maternity leave option. Meanwhile, health experts say you should nurse your newborn about two years for optimum health.
What’s the balance? Well, be there as much as possible, and forego babysitters when possible (but don’t rule them out; you will need them). If you can be a “stay-at-home” mom for two years, that’s good. If you can bring your baby to work, that’s also an option.
2. Have Medical Help Available
You might not be able to lactate as well as you thought you would for psychological or physiological reasons. You’ll want to find an IBCLC credited lactation consultants for nursing assistance.
Also, pediatricians are a good option. Varying specialists in other areas are also a good idea, and you want a trusted OB/GYN to help you knit back together after the birth, so you can be a stronger mom. It’s hard to be a good mom when you’re physically diminished.
3. Don’t Go It Alone: Find Other Parents
No matter how busy you are, or how complicated your pregnancy, there have been billions of women that have gone before you. Get help in this difficult time, you need it. Find support groups.
Helping Your Newborn Grow Up Strong and Healthy
Be there as much as you can for your newborn, especially as a mother; they need you on a psychological, physical level until they start nearing those teen years. Also, have medical help available, and don’t go it alone. Work with others who’ve been down the same road. Such an approach to raising your baby will give them a firm foundation, and that’s key in a head start.
