Realistic Expectations for Brand-New Parents
Every new parent has questions about how they can best care for their baby. While each family is different, parents often share the same questions and concerns. Having realistic expectations for you and your baby will help you feel more confident whenever caring for an infant presents challenges – and let you enjoy time with your baby!
1. Expect to spend a lot of time breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding takes a lot of time. Breastfed babies need to eat 8 to 12 (or more) times in 24 hours. On average, a feeding takes 30 to 45 minutes in the first few weeks. With time, breastfeeding will usually go faster. Much of your time and energy will be spent learning how to breastfeed as well as breastfeeding.
2. Expect it to take a few weeks to learn how to breastfeed well.
It takes several weeks for mom and baby to learn how to breastfeed well. It is normal and expected to have some good feedings and some not-so-good feedings during your rst several days and weeks of breastfeeding. Do not judge your ability or your baby’s ability to breastfeed based on one feeding. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you are learning this new skill. Get help from our lactation consultant if you need it. They can be reached at 573.815.6290.
3. Expect crying.
Babies cry. Some babies cry a lot, and some cry a little. Either way, crying is normal and okay. It is the way your baby communicates with you. It does not necessarily mean something is terribly wrong. It is always appropriate to respond to the cry, but the goal is not to eliminate crying. Sometimes you can anticipate what they need before they cry and sometimes you cannot.
4. Expect to manage visitors.
Visitors to your postpartum suite can be nice, but sometimes they can interfere with important things like learning to breastfeed or getting rest. If possible, limit postpartum visitors to short 30-minute periods or only at specific times like 10-11 am or 6-7 pm. It is also okay to ask them to wait to visit you and the baby after you return home.
5. Expect to make mistakes.
No one is a perfect parent, breast feeder or diaper changer. Be kind to yourself, your partner, and your baby. It is okay and normal to not know everything. ere is a lot to learn! Learn what you can and always be open to learning more.
6. Expect to need help.
You will benefit from help in the hospital as well as at home. While you are in the hospital, the Boone Family Birthplace’s staff are knowledgeable, and we want to help. We are happy to answer your questions, and we do not expect you to know everything. You may get a different answer to your question from every person you ask, which means there might be more than one way to do something! At home, get help with household chores and meals as you will be spending much of your time learning how to care for your baby.
Bringing Up Boone Babies is a monthly support group provided by Boone Family Birthplace. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Boone Hospital Center. Each hour-long session is led by a Boone Family Birthplace nurse and includes a short presentation on a different topic, followed by open group discussion. This support group is free and open to all parents of newborns, infants, and toddlers – and you’re welcome to bring your baby with you! No registration is required.
For a list of upcoming dates and information on how to join our Bringing Up Boone Babies Facebook group, visit boone.health/bringingup-boone-babies