Carole Falletta
Co-Founder at - Momentum Health NetworkCarole Falletta, MS, MA, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNC-EFM, IBCLC, LCCE Carole is a nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in nursing, specializing in women's health, newborn care, and reproductive and postpartum mental health. Actively practicing in healthcare, she supports women and families during the perinatal journey through compassionate, evidence-based care. A dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric and family health, Carole is also an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, combining her clinical expertise and passion for education to empower mothers and babies.
Navigating the exciting journey of parenthood can be both exhilarating and challenging. Fortunately, grandparents are a wonderful source of support and wisdom. If you’re a new parent wondering how to enlist the help of grandparents in caring for your precious bundle of joy, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some heartwarming and helpful ways grandparents can be actively involved in your baby’s care.
- Open Communication: Start by having an open and honest conversation with the grandparents. Share your feelings, expectations, and needs. Establishing clear communication sets the foundation for a supportive and collaborative caregiving environment.
- Babysitting Bonding: Enlist grandparents for some quality babysitting time. Whether it’s for a short break, date night, or a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, having grandparents step in allows you to recharge and ensures that your baby gets the loving care of family.
- Wisdom on Demand: Grandparents love to share parenting wisdom! Their experiences and insights can be incredibly valuable. From tried-and-true soothing techniques to advice on navigating different developmental stages, their knowledge can help ease the journey.
- Mealtime Magic: If grandparents enjoy cooking, invite them to contribute to meal prep. Having a few homemade meals on hand can be a lifesaver during those hectic early days. Plus, it’s a delightful way for grandparents to feel directly involved in nourishing the family.
- Hands-On Help: Grandparents can lend a hand with household chores. Simple tasks like doing the dishes, folding laundry, or running errands can make a world of difference. The additional support allows new parents to focus on bonding with the baby without feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind.
- Tech-Savvy Support: If grandparents are tech-savvy, consider involving them in the digital aspects of caregiving. They can help set up baby monitors, manage baby-related apps, or even assist in creating digital photo albums to capture precious moments.
- Storytime Traditions: Create special storytime traditions with grandparents. Whether it’s a bedtime story routine or storytelling during playtime, this not only builds a strong bond but also provides an opportunity for grandparents to share their favorite tales and create lasting memories.
- Celebrate Milestones Together: Include grandparents in celebrating your baby’s milestones. Whether it’s the first step, first word, or first tooth, these moments are precious and sharing them with grandparents adds an extra layer of joy and celebration.
Welcoming grandparents into the caregiving journey enhances the support system for new parents. The involvement of grandparents is a treasure trove of love, experience, and assistance. New parents, don’t hesitate to express your needs and invite grandparents to actively participate in caring for your little one. Together, you’ll create a nurturing environment filled with love and shared moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Carole Falletta, MS, MA, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNC-EFM, IBCLC, LCCE Carole is a nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in nursing, specializing in women's health, newborn care, and reproductive and postpartum mental health. Actively practicing in healthcare, she supports women and families during the perinatal journey through compassionate, evidence-based care. A dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric and family health, Carole is also an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, combining her clinical expertise and passion for education to empower mothers and babies.