It is a time of wonder, a time of excitement, a time of sleepless nights, frayed nerves, and crusted milk-stained pjs that take you from morning to night. It's baby's first year! And here to give us the low down is Funny Mummy Kathy Buckworth.
What are some of the myths out there about baby's first year?
I think probably the biggest myth or misconception that new parents have is that their baby experience will somehow be totally different than everyone else's. And while it is true that each baby is different, there are many things that we all have to deal with - the sleeping, the worrying, the medical issues, relationship issues as well. Not to mention that we think (hope?) we'll be wearing our pre-mat jeans within weeks, and that a maternity leave might somehow be "time off".Â
Sleep deprivation can be tough - do you have any simple strategies for getting some rest?
Each of my four children were different and had (and still have) their own sleep patterns and behaviour. My best advice for new parents would be to ask their friends how they have dealt with it, and perhaps consult a Sleep Doula (like Tracey Ruiz). In terms of napping during the day - I've never been able to sleep during the day, but just lying down and closing your eyes rests your body more than you know - do it when baby is asleep. And when your husband says "I'll get the baby." LET HIM.
Being at home with your baby in the first year can be exciting and fun but it can also be lonely - how can parents stay connected to the outside world?
Moms today are so lucky to have social media networks like Twitter and Facebook, and plain old emailing. Instant access to friends old and new who are going through the same thing. But moms need to get out into the"real world: too (don't worry you can take your Blackberry with you to the park and still Twitter!), either by meeting up with new moms in a formalized group, meeting old friends, or finding new ones at baby friendly places. It is ALWAYS worth the effort to get out of the house, if only for a few minutes.
Sure introducing solids is exciting but what about when your wee one learns to tighten his lip. How do you keep your cool and not worry incessantly about malnourishment?
Keeping your cool can be tough especially when junior is throwing pureed squash all over your silk blouse. So, dress for a messy feed (Moms and babies both) and try to remember that, just like us, it's not what we take in on a single day that is important, but what we're nourished with over a longer period of time. If you're truly worried, talk to your doctor about vitamin or mineral supplements. Also, remember all kids are different, so try not to compare what your friend's babies are eating.
Will you share some of your memories from your children's first years?
Each of my children had a different experience - with my first I was probably your typical worry about every moment Mom ... and by the time my fourth came along I know I was much more relaxed in my parenting style. What I do remember are those quiet moments when they fall asleep on your chest - you have the tv remote in one hand, and a glass of white wine in the other ... it's all good. These quiet times don't last and I look at my teenagers now and am glad we had this bonding time in the past, as now I am simply too embarassing to hang out with.
Motherhood is a tough gig no matter the age of you child or children. What are your suggestions for staying sane, especially in the first year?
Get out and join a Moms group, get connected online, make sure you are doing something for you (working out, seeing a movie, pedi, anything!), read books which give you an escape (like mine :) )and of course go to WeeWelcome.ca
Follow Kathy on twitter at www.twitter.com/kathybuckworth. Kathy's latest book The Blackberry Diaries: Adventures in Modern Motherhood is available at bookstores everywhere.
