Many new parents feel very happy about the changes in their lives. There can also be some less happy feelings that sometimes you don't think you should have.
Some parents may be disappointed in the sex of the baby or resentful if they weren't wanting another child.
It can be hard coming to grips with things you weren't prepared for such as a premature baby, a baby with a disability or a multiple birth.
It can be very upsetting to have your baby crying and not be able to stop it - sometimes so upsetting that you feel like hurting your baby or leaving. If you feel desperate when your baby is crying make sure she is safe and then leave the room until you feel better: sit quietly, scream into a pillow, play some music, make a cup of tea or ring someone who understands. You may find putting your baby in a stroller and walking out in the fresh air helps. Know yourself - do whatever helps you to feel less stressed.
It can be a worry that there isn't much time to keep your home tidy or, if you have a partner, to enjoy time together as a couple.
Sometimes fathers feel shut out, or even jealous, because all the mother's attention seems to be going to the baby.
Parents may worry about how they will be able to afford all the extra costs that come with having a child.
Share your feelings with your partner or a close friend.
Often new mothers feel a bit 'down' and weepy. This is commonly called 'baby blues' and many women have this 'let down' feeling after the enormous physical and emotional experience of having a baby. These feelings usually don't last very long. Make sure you get as much rest as you can, take care of yourself and ask for support.
Mothers sometimes get very sad, tired and irritable and can't seem to shake it off. If these feelings are worrying you it is important to talk about them with your partner, a close friend or your doctor. See 'Post natal depression'.
What parents can do
All new parents need support and if you are parenting on your own, this is even more important.
Don't be ashamed to say "Yes" when anyone offers to help you.
Take care of yourself.
Make sure you take some time out for yourself to do some things with your partner, spouse or a friend.
If you find you are feeling ''down'' and irritable most of the time, talk it over with your doctor, someone at your local community health centre or a person you trust.
Don't be too proud to ask for information or advice. All parents at some stage find parenting difficult. It is not a sign of failure.
Reminders
Going to babies when they cry does not spoil them, rather it is the best thing you can do for them.
Never shake a baby - it can cause brain damage.
Babies are likely to cry less later on if you respond quickly when they are young.
Remember babies do not sleep all the time and they sleep less during the day as they get older.
Babies like company, just as we do. When they are awake they don't like to just lie there looking at the ceiling, but love you to talk and be with them.
Watch for and enjoy the little changes as your baby grows and learns.
Take care of yourself. Make sure to do some things you enjoy regularly. Get some exercise and eat well.
Sometimes you get different advice from all sorts of people. If it feels right for you and your baby is happy it is probably okay. If you are in doubt ask someone with current knowledge about babies.
Don't be ashamed to ask for and accept help from people around you. Everyone needs help sometimes and having a new baby is one of these times.
Some parents may be disappointed in the sex of the baby or resentful if they weren't wanting another child.
It can be hard coming to grips with things you weren't prepared for such as a premature baby, a baby with a disability or a multiple birth.
It can be very upsetting to have your baby crying and not be able to stop it - sometimes so upsetting that you feel like hurting your baby or leaving. If you feel desperate when your baby is crying make sure she is safe and then leave the room until you feel better: sit quietly, scream into a pillow, play some music, make a cup of tea or ring someone who understands. You may find putting your baby in a stroller and walking out in the fresh air helps. Know yourself - do whatever helps you to feel less stressed.
It can be a worry that there isn't much time to keep your home tidy or, if you have a partner, to enjoy time together as a couple.
Sometimes fathers feel shut out, or even jealous, because all the mother's attention seems to be going to the baby.
Parents may worry about how they will be able to afford all the extra costs that come with having a child.
Share your feelings with your partner or a close friend.
Often new mothers feel a bit 'down' and weepy. This is commonly called 'baby blues' and many women have this 'let down' feeling after the enormous physical and emotional experience of having a baby. These feelings usually don't last very long. Make sure you get as much rest as you can, take care of yourself and ask for support.
Mothers sometimes get very sad, tired and irritable and can't seem to shake it off. If these feelings are worrying you it is important to talk about them with your partner, a close friend or your doctor. See 'Post natal depression'.
What parents can do
All new parents need support and if you are parenting on your own, this is even more important.
Don't be ashamed to say "Yes" when anyone offers to help you.
Take care of yourself.
Make sure you take some time out for yourself to do some things with your partner, spouse or a friend.
If you find you are feeling ''down'' and irritable most of the time, talk it over with your doctor, someone at your local community health centre or a person you trust.
Don't be too proud to ask for information or advice. All parents at some stage find parenting difficult. It is not a sign of failure.
Reminders
Going to babies when they cry does not spoil them, rather it is the best thing you can do for them.
Never shake a baby - it can cause brain damage.
Babies are likely to cry less later on if you respond quickly when they are young.
Remember babies do not sleep all the time and they sleep less during the day as they get older.
Babies like company, just as we do. When they are awake they don't like to just lie there looking at the ceiling, but love you to talk and be with them.
Watch for and enjoy the little changes as your baby grows and learns.
Take care of yourself. Make sure to do some things you enjoy regularly. Get some exercise and eat well.
Sometimes you get different advice from all sorts of people. If it feels right for you and your baby is happy it is probably okay. If you are in doubt ask someone with current knowledge about babies.
Don't be ashamed to ask for and accept help from people around you. Everyone needs help sometimes and having a new baby is one of these times.
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