Tag Archives: parenting

How Dads Can Be Supportive After Childbirth

04/26/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Being able to support partners as a new dad after being given is something many dads wish they could do better. The thing is, without being a mind reader, navigating the complex succession of hormones, lifestyle changes, and caring for a new baby can be difficult. After all, giving birth was the sole responsibility of mum. It is natural for dads to feel helpless after seeing the intensity of the birth experience and what it does to a woman’s body.

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Of course, the result is worth it, but how, as a new dad, can you support your wife or partner in the days and weeks after the birth?

Be Proactive

Don’t just sit and wait for permission to get involved in the care regarding feeding and changing your new baby. In the immediate hours and days after the birth, a woman’s body is changing and recovering from growing a human for the past 9 months and then making sure the baby arrived safely. Sometimes, a newborn is diagnosed with a serious condition like Cerebral Palsy as a result of negligence by a healthcare professional. If you are faced with this traumatic diagnosis, you can seek help from specialists like Gadsbywicks to make sure the healthcare professional is held accountable and your family receives any necessary financial support.

It can mean a lot of pain, exhaustion, and reduced ability to do even small tasks. If the baby is being breastfed, then taking over changing and settling the baby back to sleep so mum can rest is important. Allowing her the time and dignity to meet her basic needs as she continues to support this new life will help you both build a better relationship and learn how to best parent together without the onus being on one parent to do most of the caretaking.

While it is true that babies will rely on mum mostly in the immediate days after birth, there is nothing stopping you from forming a bond with your child during this time too. Don’t be a bystander in your child’s life, let them both know you are here to love them.

Research

It can be tempting to let mum take care of finding out you need to know about your newborn baby, but researching what you can expect to happen or what is normal for newborn babies regarding sleeping and feeding patterns will help you be more involved. Taking an interest in the different types of products you need so you can buy refills, e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, and different brands of nipple cream for breastfeeding mums.

Many parents read up on baby books before the baby arrives; however, once you become a parent, it is a whole new ball game with a new set of variables thrown into the mix.

Take the Initiative

Try not to rely on mum so much to do things, or know things. This can help increase the mental load that already weighs heavy on mums even before their baby is born.

Taking the initiative to assist with any issues that arise, such as needing to buy specialist products for dry skin for a baby or tackling patches of eczema and checking is hydrocortisone cream safe for babies should you need to use along with other medication that is safe for use with babies, it will help reduce and balance out the mental load that many mums find they can carry the burden for.

This also applies to household chores, cooking meals, or taking the baby out for a walk so she can rest and relax for a little bit. Think of what you can do to make her life easier and reduce how much she has to think about and do while caring for a newborn. Why not head to the supermarket and get the weekly shopping and take the baby so mum can rest!

Support

New parents both need support to help get through the early stages of parenting. Not knowing what you are doing is a common worry, and as such, some gentle reassurance and support can make all the difference to struggling parents. Being able to support each other or take over the bulk of caring for your newborn so your partner can rest will go a long way to helping them relax and build up their confidence.

Tell them they are doing a great job, or let them know how amazing you think they are. It may not sound much, but if mum struggles and feels unsupported, these words of encouragement can help out a lot.

Be encouraging to help her build confidence for being alone with the baby and even seeing if joining a local baby group can help give her support so that sometimes only other mums can.

Listen

Sometimes all you need to do is to listen. It can be a very hormonal time for women once they have given birth, and long nights spent breastfeeding and serving off very little sleep can really take their toll. Being able to sit down together and really listen to what the other person has to say and express how they feel is a great way to support someone on their own terms and not really do anything physical.

Avoid interjecting and correcting. Hormones can be a mess meaning they might not even understand how they feel or why they are feeling this way. Patience, time, and being a good listener are all qualities that partners can exhibit to show support and love to their baby mum in the early days of parenting and beyond.

Put Her Needs First

Parenting is stressful for both parents, and until you find your groove and what works for your new family unit, it can be trial and error as you work out your routine. During this time, pay close attention to mums needs and try to anticipate what she will need.

For example, if you notice she needs more support during breastfeeding, always make sure to get her an extra pillow and have it close by for when the baby is feeding. Breastfeeding can take a while and be thirsty work for both mum and baby. So bring in some snacks and a drink or hand over the TV remote, so she doesn’t need to worry about what she needs. Run a shower or a bath, order her favorite takeaway or take cues when she is tired and let her get an early night.

The more equal you both make the relationship, the easier it will be for you to rely on each other when you need help, support, and time away from parenting. Because sometimes, everyone needs a little bit of time away to collect the thoughts and recharge their batteries.

Check-In

When you are back to work, don’t forget to check in regularly to see if your family needs anything or just for a chat. If your partner will be at home all day with no other adult company, then you taking the time to say hi and see how things are going can give you a chance for a little bit of company.

Try to avoid going back to habits you would do pre-baby. Things like unexpectedly heading to the bar after work or the gym without prior notice can be really disrespectful. Especially if mum has had a hard day and you expect her to manage alone for longer while you are doing what you want to do.

Instead, try to work out the best days and times in advance when you can do this and make sure you are both happy with the arrangements instead of making spontaneous plans with no prior communication. Your life has changed now, and so should the way you act.

Accept Help

If you are both struggling then it is important to remember that family, friends and medical professionals are there to support you in your journey as a new parent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling or you need extra support. Rope in grandparents or family for babysitting duties if you are both sleep deprived. Consult your doctor or pediatrician for guidance if something doesn’t feel right. No one will think less of you and if you need extra help there is no shame in reaching out.

In conclusion

Becoming new parents can be a life-changing event. You will have had time to get ready for your new arrival during pregnancy, however being conscious of the decisions you are making, the input you have regarding running your home and work life once the baby is born can make all the difference.

Being mindful of the changes you are both experiencing and the impact giving birth can have on Mum’s body and mental health will help you to be able to support each other as you get used to caring for your new baby together.

The main takeaways from this are that you need to support your partner who has just given birth in many more ways than you would have done had you not been pregnant. Taking over the burden of the day-to-day running of your household, being supportive and caring without pressurizing, and playing an active role in caring for your newborn will help you make sure mum isn’t left alone to do everything. You both get to spend quality time together and with your new baby, building a bond in the best way possible.

Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Life, Lifestyle, Parenting

4 Must-Haves for the Busy, On-The-Go Dad

04/24/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Being a dad is tough work. Working, taking the kiddos to their activities, and still trying to find time for yourself is no easy task. And being on-the-go can become stressful and overwhelming if you aren’t prepared for the busy times you are going to encounter. So, how can you make your busy life a little easier? Well, you can make sure you have a few must-haves on hand to keep you going, organized, and ready to tackle whatever heads your way.

Sunscreen

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Though you may find yourself covered in dirt, grime, and gunk throughout your day, you want to be sure that you are protecting your skin as best as you can before you start your day. Wearing sunscreen is the best way to make sure you are protecting your skin and making sure it is healthy in the long run. Plus, when your kiddos see you put your sunscreen on, it is a great example to be setting for them when it comes to skin health and overall wellness. You can even make applying sunscreen a part of the family routine in the morning. That way everyone wins and has protected skin.

A new wallet

A Ridge wallet is going to be a game changer for any man, but especially for a Dad that is always on the move. If you are always on the go, you don’t want to be carrying around too much or have a wallet that is bursting at the seams. A new wallet will help you keep only the essentials on you and not weigh your pockets down. Plus, since you have to carry your cards around, you might as well get something that you know will be worth it. Why wait for a wallet emergency to strike, upgrade now and save yourself from the future headache.

A hydration pack

If you are always on the move, it is highly likely that you aren’t going to be able to remember to carry your water bottle with you too. It will get left at the store, in the car, or at home, rendering them virtually useless. So, why not carry your water in an easy-to-wear hydration pack? Being dehydrated is a bad habit you need to kick. A hydration pack will make it so your water is always with you, you have extra room for your essentials, and you aren’t forgetting it at home or in the car. Plus, it makes it so much easier to hydrate on the go. You will wonder what took you so long to get one.

A hat collection

Like we mentioned before, protecting yourself from the sun is a vital aspect of being an on-the-go dad. And another way to protect yourself and your skin is by wearing a hat. Of course, there are tons of hats to choose from, so this is where you can let your creativity and fashion sense soar. You can have a nice everyday hat that can take you to the office or running errands, one that will help you best during outdoor activities like working out, or just an everyday baseball cap to sport your favorite team, for comfort and style. No matter what hat you choose, it is a must-have to keep you cool, calm, collected, and happy in even the most stressful Dad situations.

Alright, now listen, Dad. We know you spend most of your time caring for others. But, make sure that you are taking care of yourself sometimes too. Be sure you have a few of these must-haves ready to go, and you will be able to conquer it all… and then do it all again tomorrow.

Going Healthy, Health, Life, Parenting, Tips

6 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself as a Busy Parent

04/24/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Parenting can take a lot out of you, and finding ways to relax and take care of yourself isn’t easy. The key is finding little things that reduce stress and give you a break from the busy parenting life. Here are 6 simple ways you can take care of yourself as a busy parent.

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1. Take care of physical health

The mind-body connection can’t be discounted, and taking care of your physical health can provide plenty of mental benefits as well. Exercise is always one of the best things you can do to relax and blow off some steam. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that trigger a positive reaction in your body. Plus, exercising can help you feel healthier, which also tends to lead to a more positive outlook. If you’re spending a lot of time sitting in the house parenting your kids, try to find some ways to get outside and exercise with them. Physical health isn’t just about hitting the gym. Prioritize skin care; after all, it’s the largest organ in your body. Adopting a regular skin care routine can make all the difference in how you feel and look. Another physical health must-have? Great dental care, both at-home and at the doctor’s. Worried about cost? There are plenty of ways to afford the tooth care you need, like this 1Dental savings plan s, or by setting aside money from your paycheck every month to a separate account.

2. Healthy eating

Another thing you have to focus on if you want to take care of yourself as a parent is your diet. The foods you eat have a big impact on your mood, especially when you consider the fact that your overall health impacts your mood as well. Make sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin D. While treating yourself to a cheat meal every now and again is also a good way to relax a bit, a healthy diet is a key to taking care of yourself as a parent, and will help teach your children great habits. If you want to make it easier on yourself, order food subscription boxes like HelloFresh that come with all the ingredients you need to quickly prepare a healthy and tasty meal, any night of the week.

3. Exercise your brain

As important as it is to exercise your body to improve your mental and emotional health, exercising your brain is also important. The problem is, that most of us don’t work our brains enough as adults because we’re not forced to do so in school. If you find yourself getting irritated easily, picking up a book might be the answer to your problems. Reading not only improves focus and concentration but also expands your knowledge and empathy. If you’re looking for a gripping read that will truly engage your mind, try diving into a novel by J.D. Barker. Known for his intricate plots and psychological depth, these books challenge readers to think critically and keep up with twists and turns that stimulate mental agility. Reading might just be the mental exercise you need to regain your balance and calm. Simply letting yourself get lost in a story is a great way to exercise your brain and relax. If you want to up the ante, consider a brain training app like Lumosity.

4. Learn a skill

For some parents, bad moods are a result of feeling stuck and doing the same things every day. If you feel like you’re not doing enough in your day-to-day life, learning a new skill is a good way to engage your brain and find a new activity you enjoy. You could learn how to bake, make your own clothes or design graphics with Photoshop. Whatever skill you choose, it’s a great way to reclaim some of your own time and find enjoyment in life.

5. Get some sun

While diet and exercise are the biggest keys to a healthy body, you need plenty of sunlight as well. Sunlight delivers vitamin D to the body, which helps keep bones and teeth healthy in addition to boosting your mood. This is why many people find themselves down in the dumps during the winter, but happy on a bright summer day.

6. Find ways to unwind

At the end of the day, being a parent is all about improvising. Sure you can’t do all the things you used to do, but you can still find ways to relax and unwind at the end of a stressful day. Whether you like playing video games, watching TV or reading about your favorite sports team, taking some time out for yourself in the evening to unwind is always healthy. If you like to unwind with cannabis use, find yourself a quality bong that will last and work great like those offered at Vitae Glass. In places where it’s legal, cannabis is quickly becoming a popular way to de-stress and reduce anxiety, so it’s the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long week.

Being a parent is a busy job that can lead to a lot of stress, but it’s worth it in the end. If you’ve found yourself having trouble relaxing and taking care of yourself mentally and physically lately, try some of these methods.