Baby Talk |
The Importance of Support Networks for First Time Parents
According to Health Canada, good health depends on more than a good health care system; factors such as having support networks and camaraderie with other people can also affect your overall health and well-being. This theory applies to everyone - even new parents, so if you're feeling weighed down by the responsibilities of caring for your newborn, or simply want to exchange ideas with other moms and dads, a support group for new parents may be just what you need.
Having a new baby is a special and joyous experience, but at the same time, many parents say the pressures and responsibilities that come with first time parenting can also be overwhelming to say the least. Most new parents will say they feel a lot of different emotions during the first year, ranging from complete joy to feeling like you have lost part of yourself.
Caring for a new baby takes a lot of time and adjustment, so it's difficult to reconnect with the outside world after the birth, often, new parents wind up feeling cut off from the world that they once knew. Parenting is a whole new culture that changes our lives and our identity - suddenly everything is different, our relationships with our partners have changed, and our homes have even taken on a whole new look. We all want to feel connected with the outside world again and figure out what type of parenting works best for you and your family, but aren't really sure where to go or how to get there.
A great place for new parents to find this connection is at Parents and Tots groups. Suzanne Kingston is both a mom and the facilitator of Baby Talk, a program sponsored by Health Canada for first time parents and babies up to one year. "I believe it's better to be a happy mother rather than trying to be a parenting perfectionist, she says - first time parents are dealing with a new world full of conflicting advice, and are trying to figure out their own style of parenting. Coming to a parent support group will help those new parents feel connected with other new moms and dads, without leaving their baby at home. We realize there is no one-way to parent, so these programs are a great way to gather resources and find out what works for you, " says Kingston.
There's no question that having an opportunity to be with other new parents to discuss the issues related to new parenthood can ease your adjustment to life with a new baby. Whether you are trying to cope with sleep deprivation, introducing solids or just want to share those great baby stories, there are many parent support groups available to first time parents. Call your local Family Resource Centre for Parenting support groups in your area.
Rosa | May 22, 2008 at 2:13 pm - §
looking for help with developing healthy sleep patterns for a 7 month old... I am trying the let cry method and its making me cry!