The Importance of Setting Boundaries as a New Parent: Protecting Your Mental Health and Well-being
North Vancouver Counsellor + Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Welcoming a new baby into the family can be an exciting and overwhelming experience for new parents. While it is natural for friends and family to want to offer support and help during this time, it is important for new parents to set boundaries to protect their own mental health and well-being. In this blog post, we will explore why it is important to set boundaries with friends and family when you have a baby and provide examples of how to do so.
Why it is Important to Set Boundaries:
1. Protecting Your Mental Health: The first few weeks and months after having a baby can be stressful and emotionally challenging for new parents. Setting boundaries with friends and family can help reduce stress and anxiety, and allow new parents to focus on their own mental health and well-being.
2. Building a Strong Parent-Child Bond: Setting boundaries can also help new parents build a strong bond with their baby. By prioritizing their own needs and the needs of their baby, new parents can create a nurturing and secure environment for their child.
3. Avoiding Burnout: Finally, setting boundaries can help new parents avoid burnout. Caring for a new baby can be exhausting, and it is important for parents to take breaks and prioritize self-care in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Examples of How to Set Boundaries:
1. Be Clear and Direct: When setting boundaries with friends and family, it is important to be clear and direct. Let them know what you need and when you need it. For example, you might say "I appreciate your offer to help, but I need some time alone with my baby right now."
2. Set Expectations: You can also set expectations with friends and family about when and how they can visit or offer support. For example, you might say "We're only accepting visitors on weekends right now, and we ask that you call ahead to schedule a visit."
3. Say No: It is also okay to say no to requests for help or visits from friends and family. Remember that your own mental health and well-being, as well as that of your baby, should be your top priority. For example, you might say "I'm sorry, we're not up for visitors right now."
In conclusion, setting boundaries with friends and family is an important part of protecting your own mental health and well-being as a new parent. By being clear and direct, setting expectations, and saying no when necessary, you can create a nurturing and secure environment for yourself and your baby. If you are struggling with adjusting to parenthood or experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, I offer in-person counselling in North Vancouver for new parents, moms with PPD, and pediatric sleep consulting.
References:
1. American Psychological Association. (2018). Parenting: Balancing work and family. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/work-parent
2. The Gottman Institute. (2017). Setting Boundaries in Your Relationship. Retrieved from https://www.gottman.com/blog/setting-boundaries-in-your-relationship/
3. National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Postpartum Depression Facts. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml