Why you deserve to take a breather
While it can be hard at times to look after yourself when you are trying to look after others - especially a child - it’s important to take time out when you need to.
Taking a breather and implementing a few steps to self-soothe and re-group can be invaluable to you - and your baby:
“B”
Breathe
Take some deep breaths. Bring your awareness to the breath and focus on that, just for now.
“R”
Reflect inward
Take a moment to reflect on how you are feeling and consider “What is triggering the upset?” In many cases, you will probably find at the centre of the distress is the desire to comfort your baby. If you know what is making you upset, you will be better placed to soothe yourself.
“E”
Empathise with yourself
At many stages throughout your life, you are likely to have expressed compassion to others during challenging times, so it’s important to give yourself this same compassion during a time of upset. Express some compassionate self-talk, be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you are finding it hard (that’s ok to do!). Self-help reminders and awareness about your feelings will help you to self- soothe.
“A”
Assess the situation
Look around you and think about what to do next. Can you call someone for help? Can you phone a support line if you need to? Could a walk help? Or possibly a massage? If you can, try to let go of needing your child to stop crying; accept the situation as it is. Ask yourself, is your baby safe and comfortable? Then you are doing the best you can!
“T”
Take charge
Take control of the situation by planning the next steps. Make a simple plan of what to do next; this will help you in moving forward. After all, one small step is a lot easier to tick off than an entire action plan.
“H”
Hold an image
Remind yourself of how you want to return to your baby: strong, wise and kind. That is all your baby needs from you right now!
“E”
Encourage yourself
Tell yourself, “You can do this!” (and you can). You have learnt what to do, you have calmed yourself on your own, you are returning to your little one in a much more settled state, which will help you and your baby.
“R”
Return, rest, repair
Go back to your child with a renewed focus. You are returning to them to help them through this storm. Remember your kind presence helps them, even if it doesn’t immediately stop the crying or ups and downs.
Get in Touch
For more information on how you can take a breather or self soothe as a new parent, please contact us online or call (03) 9881 9516. Alternatively, click here to find out more about our Early Parenting Centre Program.
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