Connecting to yourself is just as important as connecting to your baby.
Connecting to yourself is just as important as connecting to your baby, from an online Seattle, Bellingham and Washington Postpartum Therapist
In my online counselling and therapy practice in Seattle, Washington, and Bellingham, I often hear expecting or new parents talk about the fear missing the connection that they have with themselves postpartum. Hopefully, you’ve worked hard to build a life that you love to live, and you love living it. If not, now is the time to build yourself a life you love to live. One that doesn't just include being a parent. A lot of people wonder if they are going to be able to continue enjoying their life the way they were before they got pregnant. As parents, the joy, wonder, and responsibility that come with a little one can be overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that embracing parenthood doesn't mean bidding farewell to the life you lived before. In fact, the best thing you can do for both yourself and your baby is to keep living the life you lived before parenthood – with a few adjustments, of course.
Seattle Postpartum Therapist Explains:
You’re the person you were before, you’re just adding ‘parent’ onto the list: Becoming a parent doesn't erase the person you were before; it simply adds a beautiful layer to your identity. It's crucial to hold onto the things that make you uniquely you. Whether it's your passion for painting, love for hiking, or fondness for a good book, integrating these aspects into your life with a baby is the most important part of adjusting to bringing a child into this world. Both your child and yourself are going to appreciate the time you take to connect to the person you are.
Prioritize Self-Care: Parenthood often brings a shift in priorities, and it's easy for parents to forget about self-care in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, maintaining your mental and physical well-being is crucial for both you and your baby. Yes, your baby has to be fed, and changed, and put to sleep over and over again, but there is time for you to enjoy your TV show, to take a bath, or to catch up with a friend. Carve out time for not only meeting your basic needs, but adding in activities that give you just a little bit of emotional or physical intimacy. Remember, a happy and fulfilled parent is better equipped to nurture a happy and healthy child.
Include Your Baby in Your Lifestyle: Instead of viewing your baby as an impediment to your pre-parenthood activities, consider ways to include them in your adventures. Many parents find that bringing their little ones along for activities like hiking, picnics, or events can enhance family bonding and create lasting memories. Babies are surprisingly adaptable, and exposing them to diverse experiences from an early age can contribute positively to their development.
Build a Support System: Navigating parenthood is a team effort, and having a strong support system can make a world of difference. Share responsibilities with your partner, enlist the help of family and friends, and don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. If you have the funds, now is the time to pay someone to clean your house, or hire a night doula, or a date night babysitter. By creating a network of support, you'll find more opportunities to continue enjoying the activities that bring you joy.
Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small: In the midst of diaper changes, sleepless nights, and teething challenges, it's crucial to celebrate both your baby's milestones and your own. Celebrate both your baby’s first smile, and your first post-baby date night. Celebrate going back to work, and your baby’s first playdate. There are so many firsts to be had, and it’s important to rejoice in them all.
Parenthood is a remarkable chapter in life, and while it brings new responsibilities and challenges, it shouldn't mean abandoning the things that make you happy. By continuing to live the life you cherished before having a baby, you not only maintain your sense of self but also create a nurturing environment for your little one. Embrace parenthood with open arms, and remember that a happy parent is the foundation for a happy and thriving family. These things are hard to practice, and postpartum and perinatal therapy can help. Contact Olive Branch Therapy Services in Seattle and Bellingham, online in Washington state, for a free consultation today.