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Dear parents,
I want you to know that it’s ok to feel sad, or tired or frustrated sometimes. But please keep this letter somewhere handy so that you can read it when you do.
Before I was born, I was in a very dark, warm and quiet place where all I had to worry about was growing healthy and strong. I didn’t have to eat, or breathe or poop before, so coming into this world was a bit of a shock.
It’s going to take me a little while to get used to it all. We might just need to go with the flow.
Give me six weeks to grow and mature. To figure out what’s day and what’s night, to become more stable and predictable. I know you’re tired from my birth as well, so be patient and give yourself the time and rest you need to recover.
It must be hard for you to hear me cry, especially if it’s been a long night, but crying is how I communicate. It might be that I’m hungry, or tired or need a nappy change. If you listen and watch carefully you might start to read my little signs.
But sometimes I might just cry for no reason at all. Please don’t blame yourself, we’re both just learning to get by.
Please talk to me, sing to me, cuddle me and kiss me. I always felt so warm and secure in your belly. Please feed me when I’m hungry, this whole hunger thing is new. And forgive me when I vomit or wee on you – it’s gross, I know, but it’s out of my control.