As a new parent, the arrival of a baby can bring an overwhelming sense of joy, love, and responsibility. The postpartum period is a time filled with changes, challenges, and sleepless nights. Practicing mindful parenting can bring us hope for some peace and calm admits the chaos.
Embracing Mindful Parenting
Navigating the world of parenting can feel like a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs that can easily throw us off balance. However, through the practice of mindful parenting, a newfound sense of awareness and presence can be cultivated, allowing us to navigate the chaos with grace.
Mindful parenting is about being fully present in the moment, not worrying about what is on your phone or what you aren't getting done because you are nap trapped. Being present means being able to attend to your baby's cues, and respond with compassion and understanding. I know how easy it is to numb out when we have such easy access to distractions. I also know from my person experience, the times that I am paying attention to the distractions, the harder it is to parent. It is in the moments of mindfulness that we are able to really pick up on what our babies need.
Mindful parenting also involves embracing the imperfect nature of parenthood and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Again, It is easy to get distracted with the thoughts, "I am not getting my work done." or " I am going to be late if I don't hurry my baby's nap." We get distracted by our house not being clean or our relationship not being perfect. Yes, having a perfect relationship, especially during the postpartum period is an unrealistic expectation. By focusing on the present moment, we can drop these background thoughts that are distracting us and create a deep connection with our children. Nobody said it was easy to do this, and that is why it is called practining mindfulness. We get distracted and that is okay. We just need to make sure we are refocusing our attention so we can build a strong foundation of trust and love with our babies.
Finding Peace in Postpartum Journey
Ever heard of the term Maternalescence? It is like adolescence but the transformation we experience when we become parents. The postpartum period is a time of profound transformation for us as parents. It is a time for self-care and support are crucial for a smooth transition into parenthood. Finding peace during the postpartum journey involves embracing self-compassion, seeking help when needed, creating moments of tranquility amidst the chaos, all while giving yourself grace for making mistakes. (We all make mistakes and we all feel guilt and shame around them. You are not alone.)
Practicing mindfulness in the postpartum period involves acknowledging and accepting the wide range of emotions that comes with the new role of parenthood. It is about finding balance in the midst of sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and the overwhelming responsibilities that come with caring for a newborn. Mindful breathing, gentle movement, and self-reflection can be powerful tools in cultivating peace and resilience during this transformative time. It is about taking the time out to care for yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself.
My Personal Journey
As a new parent, my journey through mindful parenting and postpartum peace has been a struggle to say the least. With my first I was itching to go back to work because I was so bored at home with a newborn. Giving everything I had for little in return. I did not know how to fill the time between naps and was anxious about his sleep. I was struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety and didn't know how to climb out of the hole by myself. I did not reach out for support because "I should be enjoying this time, I shouldn't be struggling." When I did reach out I got the, "Yeah, having a newborn is hard." without any real support to back up that statement. Being mindful and staying present in the postpartum period is what helped me get out of the slump. I embracing the chaos of parenting, accepted what my days now looked like and started to live in the present moment. I practices mindfulness when with my son and the times between naps seemed to go by quicker. I had more ability to think about what to do with him and enjoyed it more. I practiced deep breathing in the moments of big emotion and I redirected back into the moment when I noticed I was getting stuck in thought or distracted with something I was using to numb the emotion. By making these small by difficult changes, I started to feel more connected with my child and was able to nurture the relationship I wanted with him.
Through the ups and downs of parenthood, I have learned to embrace the imperfections and uncertainties that come with raising a child. Mindful parenting has taught me to be kinder to myself, more patient with myself and my child, and to savor the simple moments of joy that come with being a parent. The journey of mindful parenting and postpartum peace is an ongoing process, but one that brings immeasurable rewards and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Mindful parenting is a transformative practice that can bring peace and harmony amidst the chaos of raising a child. By embracing the principles of mindfulness, we can cultivate a deep connection with our children, navigate the challenges of parenthood with grace, and find moments of tranquility in the midst of the storm. As we embark on this journey of parenthood, let us remember to be gentle with ourselves, present with our children, and open to the profound lessons that parenting has to offer.
Hi, I am Kristina Anzell. I am a Clinical Social Worker and Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. I specalize in helping moms and dads work through issues of anxiety, sleep and relationships while they are busy growing a family. Feel free to visit my website if you would like to work with me, sign up for the monthly newsletter, or if you want to read more blog posts like this :)
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