Scary First Baby Friday, February 16, 2024

There are approximately 10,000 babies born in the United States daily. Nearly 40% are born to first-time parents, introducing a new generation of individuals to the joys and challenges of raising a child. In our noisy world, these parents are bombarded with every type of parenting advice imaginable, frequently at the expense of their instincts. Navigating the vast sea of parenting information can be daunting for new parents as they strive to make the best decisions for their newborns. It becomes crucial for them to discern which guidance to heed and which to pass over. Striking a balance between well-meaning advice and parental intuition is critical to confident and authentic parenting. This inner compass becomes particularly valuable as families embark on this life-changing journey. In my parenting journey, my husband's very large La Familia had a lot to teach me about being a first-time mother. I was petrified, so much so that when we went to our first pediatrician appointment and the doctor asked me how I was doing, I burst into tears. He sat me down and reassured me that my instincts were the greatest true north for my baby, and I needed to block out all the noise and listen to my gut. But that was over 30 years ago, and back then, we didn't have near the amount of "intelligence" that the new parents of today have. The complexities of the decisions that parents have to make today are daunting, from deciding whether to use a natural birthing center or a hospital birth to how long to nurse and whether to vaccinate. These are serious and life-altering decisions that every new parent must make. While well-meaning family and friends may offer their own opinions and experiences, it's ultimately up to the parents to make the best choice for their child. As a society, we often forget that parenting is a learned skill. It takes time and practice to become proficient in raising another human being. That's why it's so essential for new parents to trust themselves and have confidence in their ability to learn and grow into the role. The vast landscape of parenting techniques is riddled with diverse opinions, but parents can forge their unique path through patience and reflection. They can take solace in the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and that the best guidance often comes from a combination of external advice and internal wisdom. On the See Differently Project, we will be speaking with our special guests, Alexandra and Wayne Jensen. They are the proud parents of a 20-month-old rambunctious boy. They have much to share about their parenting journey and how they have navigated all the noise, from well-meaning friends and family to social media and Web MD. They will open up about post-partum, the need for awareness and transparency, and how it drew them closer together as a couple and parents.