Nothing really prepares you for becoming a parent. For Shrada, the early days of becoming a mum were a big adjustment. While she felt excited to welcome her baby, she wasn’t prepared for how tired and overwhelmed she would feel. Sleep was broken, feeding felt constant, and her emotions were changing as she and her baby tried to settle into a new routine together.
During that first year, Shrada felt like she was just getting through each day. Without enough sleep or support, she began to doubt herself and worry that something might be wrong — either with her baby or with her as a parent. What she needed most was reassurance that what she was experiencing was normal.
When Shrada reached out to Karitane, she was supported in different ways at different times, depending on what her family needed. She accessed support through Karitane Parenting Centre, including a residential stay, where she received help with sleep, routines, and day-to-day parenting challenges. She was also supported through Karitane’s mental health services, which helped her feel more confident and emotionally supported during a really vulnerable time. As her journey continued, Shrada stayed connected through Karitane’s community programs, where she met other parents and felt less alone.
“The first year just felt like survival mode, and I kept thinking something was wrong with her or with me. With support from Karitane, I didn’t feel so alone and started to enjoy time with my kids.. Karitane is my village — it supported me through this journey.”
Looking back, Shrada wants other parents to know that parenting can be hard — and that it’s okay to ask for help. Support is available, and no one has to do this on their own.
