Wellness journal... for a new parent?

[AskewAtTheTreadle]

Is there such a thing? I've had a look and most seem to be fixed on the idea of maintaining "work life balance" so include things like work goals versus personal goals, and set achievements for the day etc. With a new baby, expectations would surely be a lot lower and more like "drink some water and don't harm anybody".

What I'd like to be able to do with a journal is something like:

• track general feelings from the day
• track habits (when am I getting to shower, what are we managing to eat)
• a weekly summary maybe
• daily "event" or milestone (e.g. "figured out the nappies" / "made it out the house")

I'm not sure what else as I haven't really used a wellness journal before, but it seems a sensible thing to do. I figure a specific structure journal might be easier to use than just getting a notebook and doing it that way (which is how I've generally journalled - sporadically). Would love your thoughts.

There was this Wonder Weeks one but more focused on baby development (and could be quite stressful if baby isn't following the journals expected pattern)

https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/frans-plooij/my-wonder-weeks-journal/9789491882074?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAICL1YEGbI100z870WXam91Hw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh7K1BhCZARIsAKOrVqEncv64h2lLd-ug30atM85zrAgQM537IqZ6hA8NiurB9kBEn0XhzrEaAixHEALw_wcB#GOR006830647

Or this one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Mums-Notebook-Amy-Ransom/dp/1786331160/ref=asc_df_1786331160/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697287344587&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15807594789984032115&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046041&hvtargid=pla-424972552777&psc=1&mcid=f5c30f30d5f73b7393a6378be5a0020c&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

I wrote up a notebook each day if I had time but from the point of view of the baby. Came across it recently after 30 years and we all had a good laugh! Eg pooed on my vest, mum called dad to help take it off. Sat up in my chair today! Mum v.annoying taking photos and calling grandma. Fell off the settee and cried at neglect of my parents. Boring stuff but quite sad in places as I did have anxiety problems and some of the entries reflect that.

Thanks @Justyouwaitandseeagain and @BertieBotts - those look very baby focused which isn't quite what I'm looking for (there's apps for that so me and DW could access/update equally). Journalling is just for me 😊

I do appreciate the comments about not having any time or headspace to journal at all. I'm prepared for that likelihood and if that's the case then I would just use the journal once I've returned to work. I figure no harm being prepared for best-case as well as worst-case scenarios!

@whatsappdoc that's very sweet. I remember my uncle sharing blog-type web posts "written by baby" some 20 years ago which were similarly styled!

Have you come across The Honest Mom journal? Created by Instagram mum Diary Of An Honest Mom - I've not got it but I think it's probably got parts of that new parent focus on achieving things, giving yourself acknowledgement and grace where needed, finding what works for you diaryofanhonestmom.com/honest-mom-journal/

I totally get what you mean about Wonder Weeks but the new mums notebook (second link I shared) looks very focused on mum wellbeing?

I think I would just make time to write dien my thoughts, feelings etc in a diary. I can understand the value of doing that. Just buy a nice journal with empty pages and write away. Very therapeutic.

You think you will fill in the journal once you have returned to work? Seriously you will have even less time then!!

Do you know anyone in real life with a baby that you could talk to?

I had never even held a baby before I had my baby, I knew nothing. But I knew I’d be tired.

@Justyouwaitandseeagain yup. Half the daily page is taken up with "baby notes and feeding notes" and the other is a black space. The reason I'm looking for a journal is for the prompts / semi structured element.

@DeathpunchDan I agree! That's what I have now, have looking for something that aligns with that focus but has some structure.

Cheers @ECPCR2. The style/tone of that one isn't my personal cup of tea but would I'm sure be ideal for others looking for similar.

I hear you @3luckystars. I do know plenty of people with newborns and so I know how wildly varied the experience can be. I appreciate your concern.

You might like the positive planner? https://www.thepositiveplanners.com/product/the-positive-planner/

I got it when my LO was about 8 months old, and it was helpful.

Ok well good luck and please come back and update here when the baby comes. I would love to hear your news, but I think you are underestimating how little time you will have for writing once you have a baby.

It’s definitely a steep learning curve becoming a mother. I know about half way through my pregnancy, I had been keeping notes and I just threw them all in the bin as I knew I would never have another baby if I ever read them again, it’s a real marathon.

Maybe you could do a blog or online journal if you can’t find anything suitable to buy ?

A quick update, as promised. I used the Lovendu journal from what turned out to be my last week of pregnancy onwards. I have found it immensely helpful to have a check-in point, especially when I was in hospital. I write once she's had her last feed of the daytime when I'm in bed and I'm waiting for her to be asleep enough for transfer, and past the risk of reflux. If I'm too knackered then I fill in during the first feed of the daytime instead. Plenty of time for writing when nap trapped after a feed!

I got a Moleskine with my first child and I wrote it in semi-regularly. For a lot of people there isn't the time to write in a diary or a journal but if you're the kind of person who finds that relaxing or would do it anyway, then yes, you can find some time. I was surprised at how many people wanted to tell you it wouldn't be possible. Everyone has a different experience! I certainly never had any probs brushing my teeth or my hair or writing a wee note now and then when I had a newborn because I was fortunate enough to have a chill pill of a babe plus I'm the kind of person who enjoys noting things down. When they got older however, now that's a different story!! Haha. But I'm glad you found something that worked for you.

I should add that I've now switched from the Moleskine book to this book. https://malpaper.com/products/the-parent-journal?variant=44309742977262&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-01-22&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABoqjXbqKunGhxbm3EKs3ARJkN_31&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7E-bIgt4G2w188s59YCtsyYXWB-RlH9tVhSThGP_DYaidZ5VEi_06YaAivyEALw_wcB

I don't fret if I don't write in it but I enjoy updating it with a few notes now and then, though I've actually stopped now I'm in the wild throes of hyperemesis! Hopefully I'll get back to it again after birth but who knows!!