What No One Tells You About Parenting in the First Year

When you are pregnant or welcoming a new baby, people say things like:

“Enjoy every moment”
“They grow up so fast”
“You’ll miss this stage someday”

And yes, some of that can be true. But it doesn’t always feel true, especially in the first year.

Here are a few things no one talks about enough:

1. You might feel lonely, even when you’re never alone

The days can feel long, and even with a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated. Caring for a baby is a full-time job, but that doesn’t mean you always feel connected. It’s normal to miss adult conversation. It’s normal to feel invisible sometimes.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. And it’s more than okay to ask for help.

2. You will not love every minute.

There will be such sweet and precious moments. But there will also be long nights, big messes and days when nothing goes to plan.

You can love your baby and still want time alone.

You can be grateful and still overwhelmed. That doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you real.

3. You don’t have to do this alone

At FEP, we meet moms and dads right where they are.

That might mean a pregnancy class to calm fears before labor or learning how to put a car seat in your car. It may mean a parenting class and diapers, or might just be someone who understands.

Whether you need encouragement, connection or baby clothes, we’ve got you.