1. Stop reading articles on surviving pregnancy! No, forget that, please read on, but trust that you are the expert on your own body and what works best for you. There is no one right way to do any of this. What worked for your best friend or sister-in-law may not work for you, and that’s okay.
2. Ask lots of questions and make sure you get the answers. Becoming a parent for the first time can seem like learning another language. Everyone has to learn at some stage, and the best way to do this is to ask—so speak up with your GP, your Midwife, your Consultant, at Parent Craft classes, anytime that you have an opportunity.
3. Remember you! Make sure that you remember (and make sure those around you remember, too!) that there is still a person behind that bump—a person who has thoughts and feelings of their own and who may need a bit of special care at this time.
4. Finally, know that you will find your way through and establish your new normal. Having a baby turns your life upside down, and you will almost certainly be sleep deprived. But, you will survive (and may even enjoy quite a lot of it).
If you are finding either pregnancy or being a new parent really difficult, make sure you reach out-there is help available. Talk to your GP, Midwife or PHN, look at the supports available on www.loveparenting.ie or send a message to info@loveparenting.ie and we will try to link you to a service that can provide support.
