Ch. 12 Adjusting to Parenthood Objectives: Explain how new mothers and fathers adjust to parenthood physically and emotionallyExplain how new mothers and fathers adjust to parenthood physically and emotionally Compare the experiences that couples, single parents, and adoptive parents have as they adjust to parenthoodCompare the experiences that couples, single parents, and adoptive parents have as they adjust to parenthood Suggest ways for parents to work with other family members as they adjust to the baby’s arrivalSuggest ways for parents to work with other family members as they adjust to the baby’s arrival Give tips for managing stressGive tips for managing stress Develop a plan to help new parents cope with the responsibilities of parentingDevelop a plan to help new parents cope with the responsibilities of parenting

Parenting Perspective Suppose you are a new parent and your parents live close by. They frequently stop in to see the baby and usually stay for a long time. Your mother loves taking care of the baby. The visits are tiring and disrupting your time with the baby. How would you handle this situation in a way that preserves a good relationship with your parents?Suppose you are a new parent and your parents live close by. They frequently stop in to see the baby and usually stay for a long time. Your mother loves taking care of the baby. The visits are tiring and disrupting your time with the baby. How would you handle this situation in a way that preserves a good relationship with your parents?

Physical Adjustments Recovery takes time, rest, and good careRecovery takes time, rest, and good care Mother – tiredness, vaginal discharge (lochia), excess perspiring, frequent bathroom usage, discomfort from breast feeding, stretch marks, discomfort in sitting/standing due to episiotomyMother – tiredness, vaginal discharge (lochia), excess perspiring, frequent bathroom usage, discomfort from breast feeding, stretch marks, discomfort in sitting/standing due to episiotomy Father – modification to daily routine in order to allow mother the time needed for recoveryFather – modification to daily routine in order to allow mother the time needed for recovery

Medical Checkup 4 – 6 weeks after birth4 – 6 weeks after birth Postnatal examinationPostnatal examination Doctor answers questions, gives advice, checks mother’s uterus and healing progress if episiotomy or c-section was doneDoctor answers questions, gives advice, checks mother’s uterus and healing progress if episiotomy or c-section was done

Rest and Sleep Essential to recoveryEssential to recovery Typical daily chores take back seat without helpTypical daily chores take back seat without help Taking naps when baby is napping highly recommendedTaking naps when baby is napping highly recommended Scheduling visits is helpfulScheduling visits is helpful Take advantage of help from familyTake advantage of help from family

Proper Nutrition Just as important after birth as was during pregnancyJust as important after birth as was during pregnancy Breast feeding mothers need extra energy and nutritionBreast feeding mothers need extra energy and nutrition Weight loss takes timeWeight loss takes time Eating fruits/vegetables and limiting fat intake is best way to lose the weightEating fruits/vegetables and limiting fat intake is best way to lose the weight Exercise is essential for helping tone muscles back up and improve emotional outlookExercise is essential for helping tone muscles back up and improve emotional outlook

The Father’s Physical Adjustment Lack of sleepLack of sleep More household dutiesMore household duties Time off from work if possibleTime off from work if possible

Emotional Adjustments Love at first sight??Love at first sight?? Bond grows with timeBond grows with time Conflicting emotions of excitement & worryConflicting emotions of excitement & worry Postpartum blues may occur (80% of women experience)Postpartum blues may occur (80% of women experience) Self-esteem may drop dramaticallySelf-esteem may drop dramatically Father may experience doubts/concernsFather may experience doubts/concerns

Managing New Roles Sharing responsibilities is a mustSharing responsibilities is a must Managing work and child care togetherManaging work and child care together Making time for each other is very importantMaking time for each other is very important Communication must remain focus for parentsCommunication must remain focus for parents

Single Parenthood Same challenges couples face x 2Same challenges couples face x 2 Time and energy stretched to the maxTime and energy stretched to the max Feelings of isolationFeelings of isolation Getting help is a mustGetting help is a must

Adoptive Parents Experience different emotions than birth parentsExperience different emotions than birth parents Worry is in different conceptWorry is in different concept Time helps form bondTime helps form bond Treatment from other relatives/friends makes big differenceTreatment from other relatives/friends makes big difference

Sibling Relationships Involve other children in baby careInvolve other children in baby care Spend quality time alone with them to reassure them of your love for themSpend quality time alone with them to reassure them of your love for them Remind them frequently of how much they are lovedRemind them frequently of how much they are loved

Relationships with Relatives Expect relatives to desire time with babyExpect relatives to desire time with baby Try to be sensitive to their love for the babyTry to be sensitive to their love for the baby Don’t be afraid to take advantage of helpDon’t be afraid to take advantage of help Always express gratitude for helpAlways express gratitude for help

Managing Stress Eat wellEat well Schedule time for relaxing/exerciseSchedule time for relaxing/exercise Plan aheadPlan ahead Look on the bright sideLook on the bright side Cry when necessaryCry when necessary Maintain a close relationshipMaintain a close relationship Avoid comparison to othersAvoid comparison to others Remember on parent is perfectRemember on parent is perfect

Depression If ignored, can get seriousIf ignored, can get serious Get help if enjoyment is becoming scarceGet help if enjoyment is becoming scarce Find supportFind support