Jayne’s Tips for preparing to become a parent.
Becoming a parent is one of the hugest life transitions you will ever experience, yet most people focus solely on their baby–not themselves. Receiving support is one of the best ways to a make that transition less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Tips
1) Focus first on support for yourself and for your partner. Parents are usually focused on “gear” but less so on their own personal needs. While having certain baby items in your home is important, focusing on self-care and your immediate needs will make caring for your newborn all the easier.
2) Consider overnight help, a postpartum doula, lactation support (breastfeeding circles or a lactation consultant) and new parent support groups. These services typically ease the transition into parenthood. Gaining confidence as a new parent is a mutli-level experience – from classes to peer support, explore your options.
3) Be prepared for any outcome, no matter your birth plan. With a cesarean birth, mom will need a lot more care as she recovers. It’s also important to remember the tender recovery from a vaginal birth. Ask your labor and postpartum doula what you will need to prepare for any birth outcome.
4) Gather your local resources and use referrals. There’s no such thing as being over-prepared for the postpartum period! Studies show that the more support a new mom has, the less likely she will suffer from a postpartum mood disorder (like anxiety or depression).
Meet Jayne
Jayne is a certified childbirth educator, breastfeeding counselor and postpartum doula. She is a mom of two and a longtime Jersey City resident. Not only is she an expert in supporting parents as they transition into parenthood, she has a wealth of knowledge about this wonderful community.
