7 Myths About Newborn Care Every Entrepreneur Should Ignore
Becoming a parent is a lot like founding a start-up—there’s no shortage of well-meaning advice, most of it contradictory. As a founder, you're used to filtering noise and focusing on what really matters. But when it comes to newborn care, myths and outdated beliefs can make those early days even more challenging. Let’s debunk some of the most persistent myths about caring for your newborn—so you can focus on building a secure, responsive relationship with your baby without all the guilt.
Myth 1: You’ll Spoil Your Baby by Holding Them Too Much
Reality check: There's no such thing as holding a newborn too much. Skin-to-skin contact, warmth, and responding to your baby’s cues aren’t spoiling them—they’re laying the foundation for secure attachment and healthy brain development. Co-regulation (helping your baby manage their emotions by being close) is part of their survival instinct. Think of it as the newborn equivalent of having a reliable co-founder who keeps things steady when you’re overwhelmed.
Myth 2: Letting Your Baby Fall Asleep While Feeding Is a Bad Habit
Fact: “Breastsleeping”—when a baby nurses to sleep—is a natural, physiologically normal behaviour. Oxytocin, a full tummy, and the comfort of suckling activate your baby’s parasympathetic nervous system, helping them relax into sleep. Trying to break this “habit” too soon is like yanking funding before your start-up gets traction. Focus on responsive feeding now; there’s plenty of time for sleep strategies later.
Myth 3: You Don’t Need to Respond to Every Little Noise
Babies communicate through cues—cries, grunts, squirms. Ignoring them doesn’t teach independence; it ramps up stress hormones like cortisol. By responding promptly, you’re keeping your baby’s nervous system regulated and, as a bonus, supporting your milk supply if you’re breastfeeding. Consistently meeting your baby's needs is like building trust with investors—response leads to security and growth.
Myth 4: Your Baby Needs a Routine ASAP
In reality, every baby is unique, and trying to enforce a rigid schedule right away is like expecting a brand-new start-up to follow corporate protocols. Instead, focus on learning your baby's individual patterns—what we can call the "newborn dance." Understanding their feeding cues, tired signs, and sleep patterns will allow you to establish a flexible rhythm that works for both of you.
Myth 5: Life Will Get Back to Normal Quickly
Yes and no. Your pre-baby routine is on pause, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new normal. The key is accepting that things will be different—and that’s okay. Lining up support, setting realistic expectations, and embracing tools like babywearing can help you integrate parenthood with your entrepreneurial life. Much like pivoting in business, adaptation is everything.
Myth 6: Bonding with Your Baby Will Happen Instantly and Naturally
For some parents, bonding is immediate; for others, it takes time—and that’s normal. Birth interventions, exhaustion, or a tough recovery can delay those warm fuzzy feelings. Responsive care—holding, feeding, and interacting with your baby—creates opportunities for attachment to grow naturally, without the pressure of “love at first sight.”
Myth 7: You Need a Lot of Gear to Be Prepared
The baby product industry is massive, but the truth is, your newborn’s biggest needs are secure attachment, warmth, and nourishment. Nipple shields, monitors, and a dozen swaddles can’t replace the basics: your presence and responsiveness. Think of it like bootstrapping your start-up—focus on essentials that truly move the needle.
The 4th Trimester: What Your Baby Really Needs
The first few months—often called the 4th trimester—are all about helping your baby transition from the womb to the world. Babies thrive on being held, rocked, and fed frequently. The goal isn’t to create independence but to establish safety and security.
Key priorities for this time:
Co-regulation: Hold and respond to your baby to help them manage stress.
Breastfeeding: If you’re nursing, think of it as an extension of the umbilical cord—providing both nutrition and comfort.
Sleep: Embrace the variance in sleep patterns; it’s normal for babies to sleep anywhere from 9 to 18 hours a day in short cycles.
Practical Tips for Founders in the Newborn Stage
Delegate ruthlessly: Whether it’s house cleaning or responding to emails, get help.
Create a “recharge” routine: A few minutes of mindfulness or a walk with your baby in a carrier can help reset your focus.
Limit visitors: Protect this time for bonding and recovery—schedule visits when you’re ready.
Align with your partner: Share baby duties and make time for check-ins about how each of you is coping.
Final Thoughts: Lead with Responsiveness, Not Perfection
Just like scaling a business, early parenting isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about showing up consistently and adjusting as you go. Responding to your baby’s needs doesn’t create bad habits; it builds trust. In the end, a secure, attached child is the ultimate return on investment.
Anne Cullen is a Family Strategist who helps mission-driven founders build thriving families without sacrificing their own wellbeing. With a focus on conscious parenting, responsive care, and breaking generational patterns, Anne blends practical strategies with values-driven insights to support parents from the very start of their journey. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her walking in nature, listening to business and wellness podcasts, or spending time with her husband and two sons.
Ready to build a family culture that feels as good as it looks? Book a call to get started.