E 07 BONUS - Tips on being a parent post lockdown, what new normal may mean for you.

We had such a big response to our post on Instagram on re-entry into "real life" when you're pregnant or have a new baby. A lot of the feedback was about the tips for visitors and how handy they were.  We decided to record it quickly today as a podcast.

Please share it with anyone you know for some practical tips on having visitors, being social or visiting with a newborn. This podcast is broken down into two parts.

The first is for parents and at 13 min mark, it's for visitors.

So what now for parents?
Lockdowns are being lifted, but that doesn't mean you feel like doing all the things, or maybe you're feeling a bit anxious about reentry. Here we go through ways to manage this. 

Well done you. You’ve had a baby in a pandemic. You’ve had a lockdown baby. You are awesome and your baby is so lucky it has you. I am proud and a bit in awe of you.

As the parent,  it’s your job to protect your baby and your home - physically and emotionally.

The only thing you need to focus on is this - Your baby comes first - not anyone else’s feelings or needs or wants. Not your in-laws, not your parents or your siblings, not your besties or your elderly neighbours who just want to pop in after they've been to chaddy. 

So let's set about making sure we can make sure the next few weeks of reentry are as ok as they can be. It is ok to want to do all the things and see all the people, but it's also totally ok and natural to want to stay in your newborn lockdown cocoon.

Keep a close eye on your mental health, if you feel your baseline is slipping, click here for tips from Dr Aileen, make a telehealth appt asap with your GP or with your maternal health service - call PANDA or COPE or beyond blue. 

At 13.15  For Visitors:

We get it - one of your besties or your sister has had her baby and you are FINALLY. ALLOWED. TO. VISIT. And it is big and massive and if you’re anything like me  - you can not wait a second more to get your hands on the bebe. Also, if you’re like me you watched a lot of Schitts in lockdown. 

If you're visiting new parents be really mindful that everything is new for them - everything, this little person has turned their world upside down and they’re surviving on dopamine and caffeine. Add in a pandemic and case numbers that sound super high -and it will be pretty common that new parents - and indeed pregnant people - to feel some significant anxiety. 

First and foremost, this isn’t about you. Said in the most loving and caring way. For many of you  - the thought of meeting this baby has got you through some tough moments, but it’s important to be mindful that baby needs to come first. 

Everyone loves company and help with a newborn, but this “new normal” isn’t normal - so let’s be super kind and supportive. Let's take it gently.

with love xo