‘Soothing to an almost unexpected degree’: new online art project Glow is rethinking mindfulness for new parents

‘Soothing to an Almost Unexpected Degree’: New Online Art Project Glow is Rethinking Mindfulness for New Parents

Being Frazzled: A New Parent’s Reality

As a new mum to a "bonny" 6-month-old boy (as several doctors have described him), being frazzled sometimes feels like just part of the job. The first three months of my baby’s life, my wife and I rarely got more than two or three hours of sleep at a time, and we felt like we were on a treadmill of feeding, changing, soothing, and let’s be honest, panicking.

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Sleep Deprivation: A Looming Crisis

A deep lack of sleep is a harsh reality for many new parents. As a sleep researcher, I was all too aware of the potential effects of the broken and disturbed sleep I could expect after our son arrived. I knew to expect things like fatigue, changes in mood, poor cognitive performance, and maybe even times when I would be so tired I shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car. For many new parents, the effects of poor sleep are compounded by feelings akin to burnout, with many parents experiencing depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress after having a baby.

The Hidden Cost of Parenting

New parents often lack the support they need to cope with the sleep deprivation and stress that comes with new parenthood. Nearly 60% of new mums have poor sleep, with one in five mothers and one in ten fathers or partners reporting depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after the baby arrives. Being woken up every few hours for months on end is something people are not expected to do even when employed under the most extreme work schedules. For shift workers or on-call workers – whose sleep is often broken, shortened, or poor quality – these negative effects are typically managed head-on, with regulated management strategies, employee assistance programs, and calls for mental health support. New parents, on the other hand, are generally limited to the (online and rare) support available from local family and health services and/or our local GP – in my case, at least.

Mindfulness Moments

Glow’s online Moments present the idea that perhaps the best strategy for relieving these feelings of exhaustion and burnout is to give space for new parents to practice a little mindfulness as part of their day. The term "mindfulness" generally refers to being present and aware of what is going on around us in the moment. Practising mindfulness typically involves a meditative component, where you can focus on your breathing or the sensations and sounds you are experiencing – to avoid your mind wandering to whether you left the oven on or if the washing is ready to be hung out. In recent decades, mindfulness has taken on a life of its own, with mindfulness retreats, smartphone apps, and clinicians all espousing the potential benefits.

The Benefits of Mindfulness for New Parents

For new parents, there is a wealth of evidence suggesting mindfulness can be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. Practising mindfulness can improve parent/infant bonding and increase feelings of self-efficacy (belief in your own abilities) and self-compassion (feelings of kindness towards yourself). When I listened to the Moments presented on the Glow platform, I found myself breathing more slowly and deliberately. These recordings and their lovely, calming artwork are soothing to an almost unexpected degree.

Putting Mindfulness into Practice

As well as mindfulness for parents to do alone, Glow offers soothing background audio for shared activities with your baby, such as having a bath or playing with a fabric wrap. To me, this is the brilliance of the Glow platform. Telling new parents to do mindfulness tasks with their five minutes of free time during the crazy first days of parenthood might not be realistic – but adding mindfulness to tasks you’re already doing? That’s just a good use of time.

Conclusion

Glow is an online art project that is rethinking mindfulness for new parents. By offering a series of audio and video "Moments" designed for carers to listen to with their baby or enjoy solo, Glow is providing a vital lifeline for those who are struggling to cope with the challenges of new parenthood. As a new parent, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected – but Glow’s Moments are here to help.

FAQs

What is Glow?
Glow is an online art project that provides a series of audio and video "Moments" designed for carers to practice mindfulness and relaxation with their baby.

Who is Glow for?
Glow is for new parents, caregivers, and anyone who is struggling to cope with the challenges of new parenthood.

How can I access Glow?
Glow is available online and can be accessed through the website www.thethreshold.com.au/glow.

Is Glow free?
Yes, Glow is free to access and use. However, some of the Moments may require you to create a login or provide your contact details.

Will Glow help me sleep better?
While Glow is not a miracle cure for sleep deprivation, the practice of mindfulness that it promotes may help you to relax and fall asleep more easily.