Preparing for Parenthood

Preparing for Life with Your Baby

Welcoming a new baby is a joyful experience, but it also comes with many changes. Planning ahead can help make the transition to parenthood easier. Remember, it’s also important to get enough REST — Rest, Eat, get Support, and Take your time. The following suggestions may help:

Rest

• Try to get rest when you can.
• Make time to take care of yourself and your well-being.

Eat

• Choose nutritious meals and snacks.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Support

• Talk with the support people in your life about sharing parenting responsibilities.
• Ask for help when needed – and accept it when it’s offered.
• Connect with other mothers to hear how they felt during the early weeks.
• Speak with your health care provider about what to expect when baby comes home.
• Learn about parenting programs in your community for new parents.

Take Your Time

• Slow down and take time to enjoy being a parent.
• Set realistic expectations for yourself and your baby.
• Focus on small, achievable goals each day.
• Think about the way you were parented and how that shapes your expectations.
• Remember that it’s normal for parenting to feel stressful at times.
• Make time for meaningful relationships.
• Nurture your body, mind and heart.

Watch these videos from Ottawa Public Health and the Monarch Centre to learn about the physical and emotional changes after giving birth, tips on what to expect, and how to care for yourself. Learn more about postpartum emotional health and support services in Toronto.

Taking Care of Your Baby

Wondering what to expect with a newborn? Visit the Newborn Care page to find helpful tips on what to expect during the first few months.

Ottawa Public Health and the Monarch Centre created a series of videos to help expecting parents learn how to care for their newborn baby.