Becoming a parent is one of the most joyful milestones you can experience, but it can also be one of the most stressful. If you’re a new parent dealing with the anxiety, worry, and sleepless nights a newborn can bring, here are a few stress management tips that may help.

New Parent Stress Management Tips

1. Share the Responsibilities

If you’re married or sharing parenting duties with a partner, it’s important to stay connected with each other, and try to approach your new parenting roles as a team. The relationship between the two of you remains very important, even though much of your focus will be directed toward your new baby. It helps manage the stress if you and your partner work together.  

If you’re a single parent, don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. Most friends and family members will be happy to lend a hand if you ask for it. Even a chat on the phone with a friend or another single parent can be a helpful stress management tool.

2. Give Yourself Time to Learn What Works Best for You and Your Baby

Creating and following manageable routines can be very useful, but in the first few months it may be more helpful to remain somewhat flexible about schedules while you’re getting to know your new baby and adjusting to the demands of being a new parent. You will undoubtedly receive a lot of advice from others about how you should approach parenting your newborn. But, keep in mind that although some of what they say can be factually-based, other times they’re simply expressing their own opinions. So, give yourself permission to take things slowly and learn what works best for you and your baby.

3. Practice Self-Care and Self-Compassion

It’s hard to think about yourself when you have an infant that needs attention around the clock. However, whenever you can steal a few moments for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes in the tub, allow yourself to do it. Taking the time to relax your body and recharge your emotional batteries is important for managing stress. It will help you return to your infant clear-headed and calm.

And, don’t forget to be patient and compassionate with yourself, especially when you feel frustrated by the demands of your new role or you’re not quite sure what to do. All new parents experience these feelings, so be kind to yourself about it. Remember that, like so many other challenges in life, there’s a learning curve that comes with being a new parent, and your confidence, knowledge and comfort will increase over time.

If you’re a stressed new parent looking for support, contact Audrey Berger, Ph.D. of Turning Point Life Coaching.  For more than 38 years, this life coach and certified psychologist has been helping people in the Brighton, NY, area develop the coping skills and stress management techniques they need to get through the toughest of life challenges and transitions. Visit her website to learn more about common stressors new parents face, and call (585) 292-0095 to arrange an appointment today.