ABOUT OUR EXPERT
Mr Ling is the Chief Executive of Fei Yue Community Services. With a background in social work, family therapy and psychology, he is a passionate advocate for strengthening families. Married with three children, he also lends his expertise to the Ministry of Social and Family Development as a member of the Advisory Panel on Parenting and the Family Services Landscape Review Committee.
Being a parent is not unlike an exciting roller-coaster ride with ups and downs, moments of unbridled joy and gripping fear, and smooth experiences and unexpected turns. The journey can be particularly challenging for first-time parents who may not know what to expect and feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar changes.
For those about to welcome a newborn, here are tips to navigate the early stages of parenthood while taking care of yourself and your baby.
1
GET HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY
To help prepare your body for a smoother pregnancy and delivery, eat well and get sufficient exercise.
A mother’s physical health during and after pregnancy is just as important as her emotional well-being. To keep you and your baby healthy, consume an extra 300 calories a day during pregnancy. Eat foods packed with good nutrients and maintain a balanced diet. Participate in exercise classes organised for expecting mothers, where you can relax tense muscles while gaining a support network.
2GROW YOUR NEST EGG
Start planning and saving early so that you are financially ready to start a family. It is always helpful to have a contingency fund set aside for additional expenses, ranging from childcare fees and baby food and supplies to medical bills.
3BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Do not be afraid to ask extended family members for help or advice.
Raising a child is daunting for first-time parents. Take comfort in the fact that there are many like you who are also ‘learning on the job’. Connect with other new parents to share experiences and insights. Extended family members — especially grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who are already parents — can also be a valuable network of practical, emotional and social support.
Do not hesitate to lean on your support system, be it friends, family or professionals. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4PLAN FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Prioritise your partner amid parenting demands. Take up the grandparents’ babysitting offer and schedule quality time with your spouse, whether through date nights, meaningful talks or shared activities. Small gestures of gratitude and connection can strengthen your bond and provide mutual support.
5BE KIND TO YOURSELF
No new parent has all the answers, so expect to learn as you go.
Learning from other parents’ experiences can help you be more prepared. However, you may also encounter diverse opinions on raising your child. Take time to explore parenting books and resources and weigh up the different viewpoints. Work together with your spouse to align your parenting styles and expectations, ensuring a cohesive approach.
Parenting is an intensely personal journey. Understand that nobody is perfect — being a parent is the hardest job ever and mistakes are inevitable. But it is also most rewarding and fulfilling.
