A Time of Change
Single people or couples without children fear parenthood because of the transition it heralds. However, parents understand this is a sort of “leveling up”, as it were. You realize the things you held dear before were so much phantom dust, and perhaps even pointless in comparison to being a parent. This realization can take time, though, and the change isn’t always easy.
In fact, just as becoming
muscular requires hitting the gym regularly, becoming a good parent will take
adjustment that isn’t always comfortable. Maybe looking back it will seem less
daunting than it was at the time, but when you’re in it, you’re in it. So with that said, at minimum,
figure out what you should prep for. Here are some things to think about.
1. Hidden Costs
So you understand the expense of food, clothes, toys, cradles, medicine, and other necessities for yourself and the baby. But have you taken into account fatigue costs? Your newborn needs 10 to 17 hours of sleep a day (depending on who you ask), but they don’t always take it sequentially. Good luck getting a full eight hours’ sleep for the next two years.
Well, if you’re not sleeping right, you’re not thinking right, which means you’ll make mistakes you wouldn’t otherwise, and these will have a collateral impact on you, your job, your marital relationship, and your baby. All moms have successes and failures in such areas. So give yourself a wider margin for error as regards “hidden” costs you couldn’t anticipate.
2. Daycare Issues
Newborns need to be with you, sometimes they can’t; how do you keep them safe? Family, parental support networks, and daycare options help. You want options you trust, though, and which you can afford. It’s a good idea to seek them out in advance, rather than be forced by an unexpected situation into finding one you haven’t vetted.
3. Lactation Complications
Digitally outsource professional support. Instead of finding the office of a lactation consultant physically, see if they offer digital conference options over Zoom or some other interface software.
Instead of getting ready, driving there, waiting, and driving back, you just log on, have your meeting, and log off. You don’t even have to do your hair or put on your face—unless you want to.
4. Mental Health Difficulties
Postpartum depression is real, common, and can be dangerous. You need a support option to help you through this. Thankfully, with the advent of the Internet, mothers can now also take advantage of free wellness apps and even wellbeing coaching. Hopefully you’re one of the lucky moms that avoid the mental pain, but it’s something looming in the wings of your mind, and you need to be aware of that.
Anticipate What Can’t Be Predicted
Mental health difficulties, lactation complications, daycare, and hidden costs represent several key things you want to anticipate as a new mom. Some of these you may escape, only to contend with other issues. As a general rule of thumb: expect the unexpected.
