A Parent’s Guide to a New Baby: Suffering and Self-careنمونہ

# It takes a village Friendships in parenting are a massive aspect of self-care. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, you need meaningful friendships with people walking the same road as you. If you don’t already have a wonderful support system, try looking into new mom or dad groups at local churches in your area. Friends will sustain you, support you, and make you laugh in the midst of all the change. Newborn days can be so lonely without other mom and dad friends to go on walks with, have over for coffee and playtime, or to simply spend time validating each other’s questions, burdens, and fears. I can’t tell you how many desperate texts I sent in those early days asking for prayer when sleep training was going miserably only to get a text back that my friends were in the same boat! Whether it's a hard day or an exciting milestone, parenting in community is so much more fun! Even now, with our kids being slightly older, I desperately need playdates and time for a night out with my mom friends. My introverted husband, Craig, needs the same, just maybe not as frequently. It’s important that, as a couple, you spend time talking about how to practically live out your needs for adult connection. Whether it's an intimate dinner with a couple of friends or a night out with the whole gang, these are rhythms I have made a point not to miss. They keep me going, fill my heart, and make me feel deeply known. Mom and dad, do not underestimate the weight of loneliness when paired with postpartum hormones and overall exhaustion. Together, be watchful for each other. You may not notice it in yourself, but your spouse will, and they can suggest, “Hey babe, why don’t you go out with the girls for a glass of wine tonight? I will watch the baby.” God’s faithfulness in supplying us with meaningful friendships leaves me misty-eyed. (No joke, there are tears on my keyboard!) The parent couples we have found and share our lives with are now our best friends. Not only that, but now our kids are all best buddies too! It is the sweetest blessing I could imagine. And I believe God has the same provision for you. Begin praying now as a couple for meaningful friendships in this next season. Start looking around at your options for parenting groups at local churches. Work on becoming more intentional as you come across other parents in your neighborhood. And watch God show up in amazing ways.