2022 is upon us and this year I am planning to focus on the first year of baby’s life – taking a look at the developmental stages, common problems and joyful moments that fill the first year of the life of new parents (and extended family) when a new baby arrives.

Considering ‘the first baby’ as a topic, please feel included if you are welcoming subsequent children into the family – the more the merrier!

So, let’s start at the very beginning – that’s a very good place to start. When baby comes home, everything changes. Suddenly you are living to a schedule and it is not yours! There are feeds to prepare and monitor, nappies to check, and sleep to achieve.

Establish boundaries

The first month is usually filled with visitors and loved ones wanting to meet the new arrival and welcome them into the world. Life can get a little overwhelming, which is why I always recommend establishing some boundaries around your time and energy.

Decide when is good for you to receive visitors, or indeed visit others, and refuse to be coerced to fit in with other people’s plans. By creating strong boundaries from day one, you will actually help others to support you in the best way possible.

Establishing new relationships and new family dynamics when parents become grandparents and the ’kids’ become the parents can bring up all sorts of family ‘stuff’, and everyone’s feelings will have to be addressed.

I highly recommend taking the time to get together and talk through the new roles, to share how you might be feeling, and be willing to be vulnerable, as this allows everyone to be fully heard and supported as they navigate the inner and outer changes that are happening.

Becoming a parent is a huge transition as you adjust from living for yourself to living for another human. It can be exhausting, stressful and scary – and as always in my columns, I want to check in with your mental health. How are you feeling, honestly? Do you feel you can’t share how you feel for fear of judgement?

If you are struggling, speak to a professional

If you experience any of these emotions, please talk to your health visitor, midwife or GP – you are not the only one and they can ensure you are getting all the support you need. As someone who lived through severe postnatal depression, it is somewhat of a mission for me to ensure that all new parents have adequate mental health support throughout their parenting journey.

It’s also important for me to encourage you to enjoy these first few days and weeks. You have welcomed a new member of your family into the world and it’s a very exciting time. Everyone says it, but this first stage will fly by, so soak up every little moment, take all the photos and videos you want, and look forward to the adventure of your life!

Next month, I will talk about the best ways to save your sanity when you feel like the world is going mad. Until then, congratulations on your new arrival and let’s make this year one to remember!