Becoming a parent for the first time is life changing. It can be an exciting and joyful time, but it can also feel like a big responsibility. Many first-time parents find that it can take a little getting used to.
Parenting takes a lot of physical and emotional energy and as a parent it’s natural to want to put your child first. But to be the best parent you can be and give your child the very best start in life, it’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing too. Looking after yourself doesn’t need to take up a lot of time or involve big changes.
Small changes like listening to music can help reduce stress, improve mood and even sleep. Listening to music and singing can also help with bonding between caregivers and infants.
Bonding with your baby is important for you and your baby. There’s no magic formula to bonding and it can’t be forced. It is a personal experience that takes time. For some, a bond is formed the very moment they hold their baby in their arms for the first time. For others, it can take a little longer.
Every Child Wales parent information booklets provide advice, information and signposting to support services to give parents in Wales a helping hand from pregnancy through to age 7.
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