Preparing New Parents

It has always amazed me how many questions new parents have. And like, not in a bad way. Just stating the facts. New parents have lots of questions. And who can blame them?! As an experienced PNP and lactation consultant, I can spot a new mom from a mile away.

Here's the scenario: Parents bring their new healthy baby in for a checkup. They are careful. Cautious. They have a list of questions and a general demeanor of being anywhere from a little bit unsure and worried to extremely anxious. We spend over 30 minutes discussing the basics and all their fears and worries. I reassure them that this is all normal.

Fast forward 2 years. Those same parents come in with baby number 2. They tell me all the things I would want to know before I even ask them. The baby is eating well, pooping a few times per day, wetting diapers every 2-3 hours, he has his days and nights mixed up so they are really tired but they know this will end soon. They are confident. (Really freaking tired... but confident).

These are the same people, right?

Weren't they the anxious parent type?

What is the difference here?

Its experience. Knowing what to expect. How to handle challenges. Its being knowledgeable and mentally prepared.

They were just your typical, normal, toooooootally overwhelmed and over tired, first-time parents who had no idea what to do or what to expect the first time around. The newborn class they took gave the some basic info, but a lot of the important detail was missing, or they didn't understand how completely consuming new parenthood would be.

That is why new parents have so many questions. And I can't blame them! There has to be a better way to prepare first time parents. 

I know how to make parents feel more confident and comfortable with their newborns. Its my job. Its my passion. No one has to feels so underprepared! Lets do better, people.

When I created my online newborn course, countless parents reached out to me saying, "thank you for doing this, I so wish I had this when I was a new mom. I had no idea what I was doing and there is not that much support out there."

I want to change the trial-by-fire culture of becoming a parent. I want to help new parents feel like experienced parents. Without all the overwhelm and extra worry.

Here we go....

Your partner in parenthood,

Stephanie