Introduction
Eating well, being active and getting enough sleep can help you stay healthy and better able to manage the day-to-day stresses of parenting.
On this page, you’ll find suggestions that may help you feel calm and relaxed throughout the day so that stresses don’t build up. Learn about deep breathing, the importance of taking a break, and how to ask for help.
Taking care of yourself
Eating well, being active and getting enough sleep can help you stay healthy and better able to manage the day-to-day stresses of parenting. Take time to do things you enjoy, even if it’s only for short periods of time.
Pay attention to your feelings and talk to your partner or someone you trust. If you’re parenting with a partner, you can help one another by looking for signs of mood changes and offering support. Your partner may be the first person to notice your mood changes.
Postpartum depression or anxiety can happen anytime within the first year after your baby is born and can affect both parents. As a parent, your mental health is important because it affects not only your own health, but also your baby’s health and development, and your relationships with your partner and your family. The sooner postpartum depression or anxiety are treated, the better you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have to care for yourself and your family. If you’re concerned, talk with your health care provider as soon as possible as they can help you feel better so you can be the parent you want to be.
- Learn more about postpartum depression, anxiety and psychosis.
- Learn more about mood changes, self-care, supports available and taking care of yourself.
Adjusting to life with a young baby
It’s easier to cope with the day-to-day stresses of parenting if you can practice self-regulation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout the day. This way, the stresses don’t build-up and catch you by surprise when they get to be too much.
Over time, you’ll find what works best for you. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
- Breathe. Take a deep breath and slowly release it to a count of 10. Concentrate on something you’re thankful for.
- Be positive. Keep the big picture in mind. It may be hard to see any change hour-to-hour, but think about how amazing it is that your baby is growing, exploring and changing so much from one week to the next. You might enjoy keeping a journal about your baby’s first year.
- Take a break. Ask a relative, friend or caregiver to give you a break, before you get to the point that you feel you can no longer cope. All parents need a little help sometimes. Remember that it’s okay to put your crying baby in a safe place, like their crib, while you leave the room for a few minutes. You can try again to soothe your baby when you’re calmer.
- Look after yourself. Try to enjoy some time outside every day. Even a short walk for 5−10 minutes can be refreshing for you and your baby.
- Ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or that life is getting out of control, talk to your partner or other support people. You can also call Health Link at 811 or talk with your health care provider for support.
- Check out parenting programs in your community. They are a great way to connect with other parents, make new friends and get some new ideas.
Coping with your baby’s crying
Dealing with a crying baby can be challenging. Remember that crying is communicating; your baby is telling you that they need something. Try to think about what your baby might need right now, such as rocking, a diaper change, a feeding, your calm and soothing voice, a song or some fresh air. Sometimes the crying doesn’t stop no matter what you do. Keep trying—your baby may not be able to settle, but they can feel that you’re trying. Learn more about coping with crying and the Crying Plan.