“Being a parent is discovering strengths you didnt know you had,
and dealing with fears you never knew existed.”
8 Infant Sleep Tips Every Parent Should Know
In order to better understand the ‘how-to’s’ of getting you and your baby to enjoy going to sleep and staying asleep, here are some important principles of sleep that every new parent should be aware of.
Self-care for Parents
Becoming a parent is perhaps one of the most rewarding life experiences one can have. For many, it can also be one of the most challenging and at times, downright exhausting period of adult life. Being a parent does not necessarily begin from the time your little bundle of joy arrives into this world. For many, becoming a parent begins from the time one decides to become a parent. From the time your little one arrives into your world at whatever age, you have essentially committed yourself to nurturing this other life for at least the next 10-20 years.
The Impact of Mental Health Disorders during Pregnancy and in the Year Following
Mental health disorders often make it extremely difficult for new and expectant mothers to get through the day, let alone manage during pregnancy, respond to the needs of their infant or attend to other children.
Recent research has revealed that many depressed mothers describe feeling no joy. Instead they feel like they are down a black hole, numb, detached, alone and unable to cope or interact with their baby or their life.
Perinatal Mental Health
Pregnancy and adjusting to a new baby can be rewarding, but also brings changes and challenges. While some days will be better than others, for some women who experience mental health problems each day is a struggle.
Grandparents have so much to offer
Promoting and encouraging our children to connect and spend time with their grandparents is one of the most important things as parents that we can do.
Often it feels like the input we have as parents in our children’s lives is foremost and holds the greatest influence over their development and worldview and, of course, it is important- it should be. But children are generally born into existing extended families and should be encouraged to spend time there. The extended family members can provide a unique and influential role in our children’s lives, as well as be a practical and emotional support base for the parents.
When it takes a village
The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” expresses an underlying truth regardless of where you are situated in the world, your culture and your social economic status. This African proverb brings to light the community’s role in raising children. Families, particularly mothers, and their children are part of a larger group within the community, extended kinship and social structure. Every parent who loves his/ her child(ren) know that raising children who resonate one’s values and who go on to become well-adjusted adults who contribute to society is not easy.
Bring on all the good advice … said no mum ever!
Being pregnant for the first time is one of the most incredible experiences of a woman’s life. There is the sense of wonder at the way your body unfolds, making room for this unknown being who is about to become the centre of your universe. There is also the terror, punctuated by exhaustion and uncertainty.
Busting Newborn Myths
Bringing home a newborn can feel terrifying. Especially when you have had a number of well-meaning friends and family offering their unsolicited advice and expertise. Being unable to measure up to societal expectation may leave you feeling like a failure.
Parent- Infant Attachment …what is that?
Newborns have changed very little in evolutionary terms since we emerged as a separate species when we became upright. As our pelvic shape altered to allow us to stand on two feet, and our brains grew larger from using our hands more, babies needed to be born much earlier to be able to fit through this new shaped pelvis with their now large head. This meant that our babies are born very prematurely: probably about nine months prematurely.
Transitioning to Your New Parenting Role
Becoming a parent for the first time changes you, which may catch you a little off guard. You are no longer responsible for only you, but have at least one other person completely reliant on you. This is often the time where it is easy to forget you are not only a mum or dad, but you also remain an individual with needs and aspirations of self.
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