Not many things in life are as exciting, scary, unique, challenging, and beautiful as becoming a parent for the first time. The memories that flashed through my mind as I wrote that sentence look like this. When our oldest was born, he didn’t cry as loudly as he should’ve, so they took him away to clear his lungs, and I ended up not seeing him for hours. It felt odd and scary to have just given birth to the child I had been carrying for nine months in my body, only to have him whisked away, leaving me alone to wonder and worry. By the next day, things had normalized, and there I was, breastfeeding my son, which was absolutely amazing. Fast forward a few days, and Jason and I are home trying to figure out how to get him to sleep longer, wondering if we were holding him too much or letting him cry too much. I was trying to keep the house clean but probably should’ve napped because I was sleep-deprived, and my emotional state was not good. All this while feeling blessed beyond measure every time I looked at his beautiful face. At the risk of sounding cliche, if I knew then what I know now, I would’ve tried harder not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the experience more. Hindsight is always 20/20, right?
Whether preparing to be a first-time parent or welcoming a second child, you’ll want to check out Saray Lyon’s article, 8 Don’t Sweat It Tips for New Parents. Also, if you are a grandparent-to-be, share this article with that new mom and dad in your family, and it may help their first few months with your grandchild run more smoothly.
In this issue, you will find our annual Child Care Guide, listing local daycares, preschools, and mom’s day-out programs in the River Region. Where to have your child spend their days while you are working is a difficult decision in a parent’s life. You have spent months protecting them and tending to their every need, and you want the center you choose to be safe and have nurturing caregivers, a place you can feel good about each day at drop-off. Peruse our list of daycares sorted by zip code to make your list of potential options. Then visit their websites for even more information and, finally, plan a visit to see the center for yourself. Trust your instincts, Mom and Dad. You’ll make the right choice!
Whether you are heading back to work or staying at home with your kids, all moms need to find support for their parenting journey. Pam Molnar’s article, Finding Mom Friends, shares excellent tips for how to get out there and connect with other moms. It might feel a little uncomfortable initially, but kids make outstanding buffers until relationships start feeling more natural. Chances are you’ll end up making a lifelong friend or two just by meeting that neighbor or joining that group.
Enjoy this month’s issue, and if you are a veteran mom like me, please share it with a young parent in your neighborhood or workplace. You and I know new moms and dads need all the encouragement we can give them!
