Summary of Issue
- Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting to a new routine can disrupt previous social habits and networks.
- Social Isolation: New parents often experience decreased social interactions due to the demands of childcare.
- Mental Health Impact: Postpartum depression and anxiety can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Introduction
Becoming a new parent is a life-changing event filled equally with joy and challenges. While this time in people’s lives brings immense happiness, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Understanding these barriers and finding ways to address them can help new parents maintain social connections and improve their overall well-being.
Why this Barrier Exists
Several factors contribute to the social isolation, disconnection and loneliness experienced by new parents:
Statistic from the Journal of Systematic Reviews: “Loneliness in this population is common, with 2018 data indicating that just under one in three new parents always or often felt lonely and that 82% experienced loneliness at least some of the time” (Kent-Maverick et al., 2022).
Several factors contribute to this barrier:
- Social Isolation: The demands of caring for a newborn can limit time for social activities and interactions.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting to a new routine with a baby can disrupt previous social habits and networks.
- Physical Exhaustion: The physical demands of parenting, including sleep deprivation, can reduce the energy available for social engagements.
- Strained Relationships: When a couple is experiencing the draining effects of new parenthood, it can strain the relationship between them.
- Mental Health Impact: Postpartum depression and anxiety can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of new parenthood on social connections, consider these strategies:
- Join Parenting Groups: Participate in local or online parenting groups to connect with others who understand the challenges of new parenthood.
- Leverage Technology: Use video calls, social media, and messaging apps to stay connected with friends and family.
- Schedule Social Activities: Make time for regular social activities, even if they are brief, to maintain connections.
- Attend Community Events: Participate in community events and activities designed for new parents and families.
- Reconnect with your Partner: Make time to relax and reconnect with your partner, leaning on each other for support.
- Seek Professional Help: Should you struggle to find connection by actioning the activities above, consider seeking professional support.
By joining parenting groups, scheduling time for social activity, and accessing social programs, new parents can overcome social isolation and build stronger, more meaningful connections during this important life stage.
Community Resources/Solutions
To help manage the impact of new parenthood on social connections, various organizations and groups provide support and opportunities for social connection:
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- La Leche League Canada
- Description: Supports breastfeeding through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education.
- How it Helps: Offers local group meetings, online support, and resources for new parents.
- Contact Information: Email: info@lllc.ca
- Parenting Now
- Description: Provides resources and support for new parents in Canada.
- How it Helps: Offers parenting classes, workshops, and online resources.
- Contact Information: Visit website for details.
- Family Resource Programs Canada
- Description: National association supporting family resource programs.
- How it Helps: Connects families with local resources, programs, and support groups.
- Contact Information: Email: info@frp.ca
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events, reducing isolation in shared living environments.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local group details.
Further Reading
- Fact sheet on postpartum depression published by the Canadian Psychological Association.
- Fact sheet on the challenges of parenting published by the Canadian Psychological Association.
Loneliness in pregnant and postpartum people and parents of children aged 5 years or younger: a scoping review published in Systematic Reviews.