Parenthood | Physical Readiness
The arrival of a newborn marks a significant transition in a couple's life. As we celebrate the emotional and mental facets of becoming a dad, another essential domain often escapes our attention: physical readiness for the newborn stage. From sleepless nights to constant lifting, the demands are unique.
Getting Physically Ready:
Newborns might be tiny, but you'll pick them up countless times daily. If you're not used to that constant lifting, it can be a real workout for the back and arms. Another thing to consider is that if your partner had something like a cesarean, dads often step in and handle most heavy-lifting duties, from the baby to the pram and beyond. To prepare for this non-stop lifting Consider putting some time into focusing on strength training and flexibility.
Bolster your core, back, arms, and shoulders with exercises like planks, bent-over rows, and bicep curls.
Don't forget the value of regular stretching and maybe even some yoga sessions to maintain flexibility.
This combo not only helps with lifting your little one but also reduces the risk of injuries.
Sleep Disruption:
Newborns have a knack for shaking up our sleep routines, which often leaves us feeling drained. Building up physical stamina can be a game-changer in fighting that exhaustion.
Consider clearing your calendar of outside commitments for a couple of months, and set an earlier bedtime to make up for the regular disturbances throughout the night.
Let's be honest: when we're worn out, we're not exactly at the top of our game. Our patience dwindles, communication isn't as sharp, and our energy feels like it's on a permanent vacation. Cherish these precious moments with your little one; they'll zoom by before you know it.
The arrival of a newborn marks a significant transition in a couple's life. As we celebrate the emotional and mental facets of becoming a dad, another essential domain often escapes our attention: physical readiness for the newborn stage. From sleepless nights to constant lifting, the demands are unique.
Staying Active:
Amid this exhaustion, you might wonder if exercise should even be on your radar. Believe it or not, incorporating light physical activity can be incredibly beneficial, even when running on fumes.
Engaging in gentle exercises, like stretching, walking, or yoga, can help to revitalise the body and mind. It boosts circulation and energy levels and can release endorphins, those feel-good hormones that combat stress and elevate mood.
Additionally, these moments of movement can serve as a brief respite in which you can reconnect with your body, helping to ground and centre yourself amidst the whirlwind of new parenthood. While it's essential to listen to your body's cues and never overextend, a sprinkle of light physical activity can often be the refreshing break your body craves.
Bonding Time:
Engaging in bonding activities with your newborn is not just about building that beautiful, unbreakable connection—it's also a strategic way to give mum a much-needed breather.
Moments like skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or even softly singing to your baby have profound effects. These interactions foster a sense of security and attachment for the infant and stimulate their cognitive and emotional development.
And here's the bonus: while you or another family member is engrossed in these precious bonding moments, it provides an opportune moment for mum to take a step back. She can grab a cup of tea, take a short nap, or indulge in quiet reflection. This not only rejuvenates her physically but also mentally and emotionally, ensuring that both parents are in the best space to nurture their newborn. After all, parenthood is a team effort, and the balance of bonding and breaks can make the journey smoother and more fulfilling for everyone involved.
