Essential Tips for New Parents: Build Your Support System

Join Dr. Mitchell Bitran and parenting coach Evelyn Mendal as they share vital advice for new parents on navigating the early stages of parenthood. Discover the importance of building a support network, letting go of rigid expectations, and trusting your instincts. Learn how to embrace flexibility and focus on self-care for you and your baby. Perfect for anyone expecting or adjusting to family life!

POSTPARTUM

Mitchell Bitran MD

11/3/20242 min read

Hello everyone! I'm Dr. Mitchell Bitran, and in today’s blog post, I am excited to share key takeaways from a recent conversation I had with Evelyn Mendal, a parent coach and therapist from @hatchandbloomco. We discussed the joys and challenges of becoming a new parent, as well as how to navigate these changes effectively. If you're expecting or recently welcomed a baby, this post is for you!

Top 3 Takeaways:

  1. Build Your Support System: It's vital to create a supportive network, or "village," around you. This can include friends, family, and other parents. They can help lighten your load, offer advice, or simply be there to listen.

  2. Let Go of Expectations: Parenting rarely goes as planned. It’s essential to be flexible and adapt your expectations. Be open to change and let go of the need for everything to be perfect.

  3. Trust Your Instincts: Amidst an overload of advice from social media, family, and friends, remember that you know your baby best. Trust your gut feelings and do what works for your family.

Parenting is a Big Change

The moment you bring a baby home, life shifts in ways you may not expect. Evelyn highlighted that even with preparation, it's almost impossible to fully grasp the responsibility and changes that come with parenthood. Your priorities and family dynamics transform dramatically. Here are some tips on embracing those changes:

1. Building Your Village

One of the most crucial things you can do is surround yourself with supportive individuals. Whether it's your partner, family, friends, or even joining new parent groups, having that network will provide comfort and assistance. Remember, parenting used to be a communal effort.

2. Give Yourself Grace

Transitioning to parenthood can come with sleepless nights and new challenges. During this time, be kind to yourself. It's okay to not have everything figured out right away. Developing a rhythm takes time, and your feelings will also change.

3. Embrace Flexibility

As Evelyn noted, rigidity with your expectations can lead to added stress. If something isn’t working, ask yourself if it suits your family’s needs. Allow room for adjustments and don’t hesitate to switch gears when necessary.

4. Self-Care Matters

Taking care of yourself is essential for your baby’s well-being. Find small moments for yourself – be it a relaxing shower, a walk outside, or a quick chat with a friend. Feeling good physically and emotionally will benefit both you and your baby.

5. Sibling Dynamics

When you bring a second child into the family, it’s important to involve the older sibling in caring for the new baby. This will help to ease the transition and maintain their connection with you.

Conclusion

Becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re not alone in this journey! Lean on your support system, keep your expectations flexible, and trust your instincts. If you have any questions or want more information about parenting, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!

Thanks for reading and take care!

Contact Evelyn at her website Hatch and Bloom or follow her on Instagram @hatchandbloomco for more parenting resources.