Fighting with overwhelm as a new parent? Congratulations, you’re normal. Putting a baby to sleep, breastfeeding and changing nappies didn’t sound that hard at the antenatal classes but now you’re juggling them all on about three hours sleep. And that’s before you realise you forgot to switch the washer on and have just run completely out of muslins. Yep, we’ve been there. Nothing quite prepares you for parenthood. So, we’re here to assure you: you’re not alone.
Despite how lonely it can feel sitting at home with your newborn – especially when we don’t know for sure how long this period of self-isolation will last for – there are people on hand to help and the below is absolute proof of it.
Friends and family
Who do you call when you have a problem? We all have our go-to BFF whose wisdom knows no depths; somehow they just have a knack for saying the right thing. This doesn’t stop when you hit parenthood, don’t forget that. Your mother will also be over-the-moon that, after spending a good thirty years of being right, you’re finally about to concede and accept that she might know a thing or two, about some things.
The apps introducing you to new mums
While friends and family can go a long way, having a fellow mum or two who’s also looking after a newborn is just what you need. Yeah, your mum gets motherhood but does she get motherhood in this century? Probably not so much. The Peanut app is a great way to meet local mums based on your kid’s age, your interests and where you like to hang out. Before you know it, you’ll be tapping into your area’s mum circuit and not be able to move for all the support and advice you’re getting. Why not give it a try?
Your health visitor and GP
If contacting your friends and family or trying out an app to meet new friends is something you want to work up to, don’t worry (and don’t feel like a failure because you’re not there yet). You can still talk to your health visitor because, believe us, they’ve seen and heard it all.
Always keep in mind: baby blues are a thing. Nobody expects them because we always ask: who could be unhappy with a beautiful newborn? It happens and it’s common. Just know that support is always there and you don’t have to look too far to find it.
