Celebrity mum GP Dr Zoe Williams says becoming a parent is overwhelming but remember your baby just needs you! I can send full press release and images of Zoe and her baby.

According to new research, nearly a quarter (23%) are worried about being labelled a bad parent and 40% did not want others to think they can’t cope. Highlighting how challenging bringing home a new baby can be for parents, the research, which was conducted by premium children’s brand, Stokke, also found that nearly a third of parents (31%) wish that before welcoming their baby they knew that it was okay to ask for help.

Almost three quarters (71%) of parents admitted to being reluctant to reach out and ask for help during the first few weeks . With 84% of parents shocked at how their life changed. When talking about parental frustrations, sleep deprivation was their biggest fear. 62% said this as their number one frustration as a new parent and nearly two fifths (38%) wish they knew how little sleep they would get in the first few months.

Top 10 frustrations for new parents

Percentage (%)

1. Sleepless nights

62%

2. Trying to soothe a crying baby

40%

3. Never getting anything done

36%

4. Endless washing

31%

5. Unsolicited parenting advice

30%

Dr Zoe Williams, an NHS General Practitioner, and a recent first-time mum, commented: “Becoming a parent for the first time is not only wonderful but it can be incredibly overwhelming. It’s not surprising that many parents lack confidence or feel guilty for not doing something advised by the experts. It’s important that parents remember to trust their instincts when it comes to baby. Mum (and dad) really do know best and unless you have any medical concerns, your baby just needs you. Enjoy getting to know the newest member of your family and remember to be kind to yourself and ask for help if you need it.” Dr Zoe Williams shared her top tips for parents welcoming their new baby:

1. Don’t underestimate your instincts. There are so many books, guidelines and the advice from literally everyone and it can be overwhelming. There’s no such thing as perfect parenting and we all face different challenges. At the end of the day remember that your baby just needs you, and your instinct will serve you well. So trust it.

2. Have plenty of snack stations (I used little baskets) for when you’re feeding the baby. Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you will spend a lot of time sat in those ‘feeding places’ in the day and in the night so make sure you have plenty of (healthy) snacks. Have bottles of water there too, as it’s important to stay hydrated, and if breastfeeding remember that you also need to replace that extra fluid.

3. When baby comes into your life you will make so many adaptations as your new life revolves around them. But it’s also important that baby eventually learns to fit into your life too. One way of trying to do this in the early days is by bringing the baby to the table with you at mealtimes, involving and interacting with them. The Tripp Trapp chair (Stokke) is a great as it brings your little one right up to the table from day one.

4. Pelvic floor exercises! It’s important to start practicing these during pregnancy and continuing after the baby is born. Linking to an existing habit will improve your chances of remembering and forming this new habit. For example, every time you boil the kettle, or every time you brush your teeth.

5. Fathom out your gadgets and devices. Breast pump, steriliser, night light, and anything else that might need building and operating. Read the instructions and have a little dummy run whilst your brain is still functioning, and you’ve had some sleep. You’ll thank yourself for it.”