Adjusting to a new baby
It’ll take time to get used to your new baby – and don’t forget that apart from the physical effects of your pregnancy and childbirth, you’ll have some emotional readjustments to make.
Feeling the acute weight of responsibility for a new baby can be an emotionally overwhelming experience in the days following childbirth and it’ll take time to settle into a routine.
Some women will be dealing with lots of different feelings at this time that will impact on their interactions with the people around them – feelings of inadequacy, anxiety or helplessness are common when you’re initially confronted with motherhood. This is normal at the beginning and as you grow more confident in your own skills as a parent, these worries will usually pass. If they linger and make it difficult to carry out simple tasks, speak to your physician to rule out the possibility of postpartum depression.
Likewise, male partners will be experiencing their own new set of emotions about the changes that have happened at this time. It can be hard to empathize with the unique feelings their partners are having and some men can’t understand why their partner is feeling weepy or anxious when their baby was planned and wanted.
Communication is the key. Try to talk to your partner and tell him what you’re experiencing so he’s able to support you properly. A lack of sleep (and of adult company!), not to mention a never-ending mountain of domestic tasks to complete, often means new parents are like ships in the night – the baby becomes the biggest focus of the relationship and other things fall to the wayside. The good news is that this is a temporary state of affairs and, with a little work and a lot of will, can be changed. After an initial period of adjustment, a couple can start to feel normal again and not just like parents.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 17/07/2008
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