A letter to new parents

Dear new parents, 

Wow, you did it, your little one is here! The day you waited and prepared for finally arrived and now you can hold your baby in your arms. 

I’m writing you this letter to say congratulations! And to remind you that what you are going through right now can feel like pure chaos and pure bliss, all at once, and this is normal. All emotions are allowed during this time. The first days and weeks with a newborn are intense, the most intense weeks of parenthood in my experience. As you get to know your new baby you are also getting to know a new version of yourself, the parent. New things take time to learn, be patient with yourself during this time. 

After birth the body goes through the biggest hormonal change it ever does. There can be tears of joy and sadness. There can be fear and worry, there can be rushes of love and calm. There will be very many sleepless nights and days where you feel exhausted and not able to think clearly. Don’t push yourself too hard. Take these first couple of weeks to stay in your baby bubble, rest, eat well, get to know your baby. These difficult times won’t last forever, this too shall pass. 

There will be moments where you feel like you are failing, you are not. Ask those around you for help. The weak try to do it alone, the strong ask for help. You got this! Lean on those around you that love and care for you. Ask them to do practical things like cook, clean, laundry, grocery shopping and whatever else. You cannot do it all, being a new parent is a full time job and your main focus right now. 

And when it all gets too overwhelming take a moment to yourself. Take a bath, go for a short walk, listen to music, eat something you love, call a friend. It may feel like you have lost yourself in everything new, but you are just rediscovering the new version of you, give it time. 

When tears come, let them.

Take one hour at a time. Take one day at the time. 

Remember to breathe.

In-2-3-4-pause-out-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.

Calm breaths. 

Wishing you all the best on your journey with your little one!