Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Helpful tips for new parents:

We all know being the parent of a newborn infant is filled with many rewards and precious moments as you watch your baby grow and develop.
By Motherpedia
Date: July 10 2012
Editor Rating:
new-mom1

It also requires large amounts of energy and good humour, which can be difficult sometimes if you are feeling tired and overwhelmed. Tresillian shares some helpful tips for new parents:

Important points to remember

  • Parenting is a learnt skill – most parents learn on the job
  • Be kind to yourself – remember you are new at being a parent
  • Start each day afresh even if the day before things had been difficult
  • There are lots of supports available to help you in your new role – a great place to start is the Child and Family Health Nurse, they will know what is available in your community for new parents
  • Think positively, be practical and stay in touch with the outside world
  • Try to retain your sense of humour.

Don’t forget to care for yourself

  • Take time out each day to do something you enjoy – this may be a walk in the park, swimming or reading a book for 30 minutes
  • Try to make friends with other new parents – share babysitting or cups of tea
  • Try to limit the amount of housework or home maintenance you need to do (especially in the early weeks of parenthood)
  • Learn some quick relaxation techniques to use when things get difficult (see below)
  • Try to sleep or rest when your baby is asleep
  • Take care of your physical needs by eating well and exercising regularly
  • Think about the help you need around the house – list this on a piece of paper – so when people ask if they can help you have lots of things you can ask them to do
  • Join a new parents group – this allows you to meet other new families in your community
  • Arrange regular child care by a grandparent, friend or in council operated occasional care
  • Take care to avoid heavy lifting or placing strain on your back by twisting when lifting your baby or baby equipment
  • Be efficient when cooking make extra meals that can be frozen for the time when you are feeling too tired to prepare a meal
  • Talk about your feelings or concerns to a sympathetic listener – this may be a friend, parent or health professional
  • If you are feeling lonely or isolated ask your Child & Family Health Nurse if they can arrange a volunteer home visitor to come on a regular basis

Caring for your Partner

  • Plan time together
  • Arrange a night out
  • If a night out isn't possible – think of activities that you can do as a family e.g. a picnic in the park or a walk around your neighbourhood
  • Identify and ask your partner about the things you can do about the house or to help with the baby – write a list and put it into action
  • Find time to have a conversation together about your feelings, relationship and needs.

For further help:

Visit either your local Child and Family Health Centre or local doctor.

Call Tresillian Parent’s Help Line on (02) 9787 0855 or 1800 637 357 (Freecall outside Sydney)

Speak to a Tresillian Nurse on-line at Tresillian Live Advice

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
0 Total Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
mum-policy
Mei Koon from Meet A Sitter shares her top ten…
Read more
babyfeet
Baby massage has long been known to offer fantastic benefits…
Read more
pregnancy-exercise
Simple tips to ease you back into exercise
Read more
Your child is strongly influenced by the environment, daily activities…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.