Being a new parent can be very stressful, especially when your baby is only a few weeks old. It is normal for new parents to feel anxious when they have leave their baby for a long period. You will definitely feel worried if it’s the first time! You know that no matter how much you try to prevent it, eventually, it will happen. It might be because your maternity leave is up and you have to go back to work. Or it could be that you have a long-planned getaway with your husband and you can’t bring your baby. Whatever the reason, you’re going to run into one problem: separation anxiety. 

You might not even think about it at first. You figure that you’ll deal with it when the day comes and you have to leave your baby. But as the day gets closer, you might find yourself getting more apprehensive and worried. You’re probably thinking of just cancelling all plans and staying with your baby.

Separation anxiety is definitely something serious. You have been with your baby for so long that leaving him or her can really be difficult. Do remember though that it’s an important step for both you and your baby to take. And the good news is, there’s a lot you can do to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Create a baby schedule.

One of the first things you can do to help your baby is to create a baby schedule. A baby schedule will help your baby understand when they will experience certain events, like sleeping or eating or playing. Giving your baby a routine will help, because you can set expectations with whoever you’ll leave them with. The caretaker will know what activity the baby should be doing at a certain time. Creating a baby schedule can help you to feel more confident about leaving your baby in the care of someone else. 

You can begin by creating a basic schedule that also includes your daily tasks. Then, you can add their activities to the schedule. For example, you can schedule feeding them every morning at 9. After that, you’ll take them out for a walk, play and with them in your backyard. You will then put them to bed for their afternoon nap.  This will help them realize that they’’ll continue to experience these things even when you’re not there with them. You can also incorporate those times that you have to step out of the house, like doing groceries. That will make you and your child get used to not being together, slowly but surely. That also shows your baby that even if you leave, you will come back to them. 

Seek child care that you completely trust.

No one likes the idea of leaving their child. But if you have to leave your baby with someone, you should feel completely comfortable with the person you choose. While your baby is developing, he or she has to learn more about the world. The key to being successful at this is to find child care that you completely trust. This will feel different depending on your personality, but you should feel comfortable leaving your baby with the person. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you know the person really well, but that you feel comfortable leaving your child with them.

The best people to leave them with are family members, like your parents or a sibling. Of course, they may not be available or equipped to take care of your baby. Your other option is to look for a baby sitter or a daycare center. Do your research and take the time to look up reviews of that person or service. The higher your trust is, the more relaxed you are, which is better for both you and your baby.

Ask for photo and video updates if you must – that’s your right!

It’s okay to check in or ask for updates about your child You have a right as a parent to ask for as many photos as you need to feel comfortable about. You also have a right to ask for as much video as you want, as often as you want. No matter how long you will be away from your child, your baby is still your baby. They are still very much your responsibility. 

You can schedule ‘check in’ times where you can phone home. That way, the caretakers won’t feel like you are micromanaging them. You can also schedule for the sitter to be the one to send you updates.

Don’t beat yourself with guilt – it’s not your fault!

Having to leave your baby with someone else is one of the most difficult things you will go through. You might find yourself crying and beating yourself up with guilt. But just because you’re going to leave your baby with someone, it doesn’t make you a bad mom. It just means you have some other things to do to care for your baby, like working. It can also mean that you need time for yourself. And that is very much okay! Yes, you love your baby. However, it doesn’t mean that taking care of your baby is the only thing you should do. You are still a human being, after all. You’re still a person with your own needs and wants. You still need time for yourself. Motherhood shouldn’t be the only thing that defines you.

Also, think about it this way. You’re giving your child the opportunity to be with other people, not just yourself. The reality is later in life, you won’t be the only one interacting with your child. As early as now, try to get your child used to being around other people. Also, you’re giving your child the opportunity to bond with grandparents or your other relatives. At least the child will know that they are safe with family. And on your part, you’ll get a break and get to have a special time with your partner. Your baby won’t remember that you were gone for a few days. And as mentioned earlier, you’ll come back, anyway. 

Doulas Of The Valley: Your Guide In A Smooth-Sailing Transition To  Your Postpartum Needs

If you still feel anxious about separating from your baby, you might need someone to help you. Check us out – Doulas of the Valley. We offers postpartum doulas services, geared towards giving you high quality post-pregnancy care. We especially cater to Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and surrounding areas. 

With Doulas of the Valley, you receive the support that you need in your journey as a mother.

Becoming a new parent brings with it many new choices. Let us help you by giving you non-judgmental postpartum support. We assist you in going through your options and decisions for what’s best for your whole family.

Read our website for more information on what services we can offer. You can also consult with professionals through the contact details we placed in our site. Contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you and being alongside you during your postpartum journey.