Viva Vitality: Medicine Hat Baby Steps class offers a supportive environment for new parents

By Medicine Hat News on September 14, 2018.

Hey parents, has anyone ever asked you “what is stressful about bringing a new baby into the world?”

If not, just think about it for a minute. Is it the lack of sleep? The crying? The never-ending expenses? The hormones? The body changes? All of the unwanted and conflicting advice? What exactly is stressful about this life-changing human experience?

Maybe the easier question would be what isn’t stressful about having a new baby? Any parent can tell you that babies are extremely needy and this can be overwhelming, especially for parents who are doing it alone. Now don’t get me wrong. Bringing a baby into the world is an amazing experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. But, at the same time it can be exhausting, confusing, and even frightening! Every parent wants to do the best they can for their children, but sometimes it’s really hard to figure out what is best.

The mixed emotions and stresses of parenthood are more common than you would think! New parents often feel lonely too, because of changes in social activities and because it’s just easier to stay home when you have a new baby.

Here are a couple of reasons to leave the house anyway:

* Studies have shown there are big differences in anxiety and confidence levels between moms who participated in education programs compared to those who did not.

* Through a large review of the existing research, scientists discovered that effective social support is the most important factor that improves the health of parents and their babies.

New parents in Medicine Hat and area have access to a program that provides both education and support! Held at the Medicine Hat Community Health Centre, Baby Steps is an informal group where new parents can learn about many topics that relate to infant health, while also offering a safe place to support each other through the stresses of parenthood.

Medicine Hat mom Stacey says, “The Baby Steps classes were the best thing I ever did! Not only did I learn a lot in the classes, but it got me out of the house right after my baby was born — a time when most moms feel alone, overwhelmed, and quite frankly scared! Now I have a group of women who I still meet up with once a week and my baby will have some play friends when she gets older.”

New parents can attend Baby Steps with their young babies to learn about hot topics such as sleep, babywearing, infant massage, infant/child development, safety, common illnesses, infant care and much more!

If you are a new parent, bring your baby and join us on Monday afternoons! If you know someone with a new baby, tell them about this valuable opportunity and while you’re at it, bring those tired parents some food!