New Parent Milestones

The days and weeks after having a baby can often be a blur. For some people time may feel like it stands still. For others the repetition of feeding, changing, comforting a newborn can feel endless. And for some they feel that they blink their eyes and this special time is over. Regardless of how the journey feels, thinking about some key sign posts in the transition from brand new mom to a more settled family can be helpful.

First, there is a lot of information on this site! Here are some suggestions to help you start looking based on where you are in your journey.

If you are pregnant you may want to start with these sections = Healing & Recovery, Postpartum Plan, Breasts, Return to Work or School, My Care Team, and Baby + Other Children (if appropriate)

If you recently gave birth you may want to start with these sections = Emotions/Hormones, When to Call for Help, Baby’s Feeding, Baby’s Sleep, Friends and Family, My Partner

If you’re later in to postpartum you may want to start with these sections = Bottom/Pelvic, Body Changes, New Identity as Mom, Staying Well, Bonding + Wearing, Building My Village, Mama Stories, My Community

This section is part of our website because moms wanted it. And this section is also hard to write because everyone goes through changes at their own pace and people’s experiences are so different. To get started, we are linking to different parts of our website that highlight some benchmarks. Moms have identified things like first time leaving the house with baby, first time being alone with baby (and other children), first time leaving without baby, postpartum check up(s), going back to work or school, having sex, and sleeping for a 4 hour stretch as stepping stones for them.

We have more work to do - please help us! Share with us your milestones! Why is this a milestone? When did it happen for you? What tips can you share? Thank you!