Description

In this parenting video learn about the challenges that face a new parent after taking their baby home and solutions for these challenges.

Transcript

Female: Latoya Jackson remembers all too well worrying about bringing her son Jeremiah home. To ease her anxieties, she reminded herself that she and her husband had done their homework and were prepared to care of the newest member of their family. Latoya: I have probably visited every parents.com there is and just downloaded the checklist and everything that was on there. Female: Many parents will spend months preparing their home and nursery for a new baby. And when the baby finally arrives, it's time for mom and dad to rest and nest. It's an important time for you and your baby to get to know each other and for all members to learn how to fit together as a family. Dr. Cora: Babies change the home dramatically in many ways. It's not just the sleep and the lack of sleep for parents. It's also the intensity of the labor which required of that baby in their early days. It's also a time when the mom is recovering from fairly significant life event in terms of a delivery and her stamina may not be completely up to— Female: There is no doubt these early weeks are physically and emotionally draining. But experts say, there are three simple steps new parents can take to ease this transition period. First, try not to do too much too soon. Dr. Cora: Sleep when the baby sleeps. That's the big recommendation that I would offer parents. When their baby goes to sleep, that’s not the time to try and do a whole lot of house work because then they will wear themselves out. Female: The second step according to Dr. Cora Bramble is to accept any and all help offered by family and friends. She also strongly urges moms to have father share in baby care basics such as bathing, comforting and changing diapers. Latoya says husband Kenny is a big help. Latoya: It pretty amazing to see what kind of father he has turned to be. He wakes up with the baby in the middle of the night to change his diaper and he interacts with him really well. It's really nice to see them you know bonding. Female: Finally, accept the realities of parenting a newborn. It maybe a while before mom and dad can sleep through the night uninterrupted by feedings and a crying baby. Dr. Cora: You can't expect them to sleep through the night. That’s unrealistic at that age. They will wake up every two to three hours. Female: Dr. Cora Bramble advices parents to accept the fact that life is going to be unpredictable for the time being and rather than trying to force a new baby into adapting sleeping patterns for which he or she simply isn’t ready. Parents should focus their energies on enjoying this special time in their lives. Dr. Cora: Becoming a parent is one of the most significant things that will probably ever happen to them in their lives and it's something to cherish. The first weeks, the first months sometimes can be a bit wacky. But the little babies, they grow up. They grow up very quickly and the periods of sleeplessness, that will also go away. Female: Now is the perfect time to behold and embrace your miracle.