New mothers on weaning, ‘mum guilt’ and making time for each other: ‘We plan dates’
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New mothers K-anna and Hannah are part of a docuseries that explores the challenges and joys of parenthood. The series, called Johnson’s® Baby’s A Parent is Born, follows eight couples throughout their first year of being parents. Directed by BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Liana Stewart, the series celebrates the diversity of experiences that parents have today, 125 years after Johnson’s® Baby began supporting new families.
One of the main struggles that K-anna and Hannah have faced in their parenting journey is the presence of “mum guilt.” K-anna admits to feeling guilty about everything, even when it comes to something as simple as nap time. She constantly puts pressure on herself to make everything perfect, blaming herself when things don’t go as planned. Hannah, who works full time, also experiences guilt because she feels like she doesn’t spend enough time with their child. They try to make the most of the limited time they have together as a family by waking up early and having breakfast together.
The concept of parenting FOMO (fear of missing out) is something that K-anna feels acutely, especially as she prepares to return to work after maternity leave. She wants to establish a good bedtime routine for their son, Amos, to ensure that she’s not exhausted when she goes back to the office. The couple has found success in using Johnson’s® Baby’s 3-Step Bedtime Routine, which includes bathtime and massage, to help Amos relax and sleep better.
Even on the good nights, there are mixed emotions. K-anna recalls a time when she put Amos down in his bed, expecting him to cry and need to be picked up again, but he fell asleep right away. She felt a sense of loss because she missed out on their cuddle time. However, moving Amos into his own bedroom has brought many benefits, including better sleep for both parents and the opportunity to cuddle in bed.
Maintaining a strong relationship is essential when raising a child. K-anna and Hannah have learned to communicate with each other and schedule time to enjoy each other’s company. They have even gotten a baby playpen to create a safe space for Amos while they have dinner. They also plan dates and make a conscious effort to do things together.
The couple feels fortunate to have K-anna’s mother, who is obsessed with Amos, readily available for help. Parenthood can be isolating, especially in the early days, but with support from each other and their families, K-anna and Hannah have been able to navigate the challenges.
The next step in their parenting journey is the weaning process. Amos is starting to assert himself more and communicate his preferences when it comes to food. This is an exciting milestone for him, as it marks the beginning of decision-making. K-anna and Hannah are there to guide him through this process and support each other along the way.
Johnson’s® Baby’s A Parent is Born is a series that highlights the ups and downs of parenthood. It provides a platform for diverse stories and experiences, reminding parents that they are not alone in their struggles. K-anna and Hannah’s journey showcases the importance of communication, support, and making time for each other amidst the challenges of raising a child.
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“weaning tips for new mothers”
