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How to Self-Care: New Mom Edition
As a new mom, your little bundle of joy is always going to be your top priority. How could they not be?
As a result of this dedication to their new baby, new moms often forget to take care of themselves in the first few months of their new role, putting things like eating, drinking, sleeping, and even showering to the back of their minds. It’s easy to forget even the simplest things, like what undergarment or shapewear to wear out of the house.
We know that being a new mom can be tiring and stressful (as well as completely wonderful and rewarding!) so it’s always important to take care of yourself, so you can be the best mom you can be to your new baby.
Here are some top self-care tips for new moms.
Rest when the baby rests
You may not be able to drift off into a deep sleep every single time you put your baby down for a nap, but you can still rest and relax.
This means sitting down and relaxing with a hot drink and a magazine, rather than running around trying to complete errands before the baby wakes up. Leave the dishes for when your partner comes home, and do something that will relax you and won’t drain your energy.
Move your body
It will take some time before you can commit to proper exercise and get back into your old gym routine, but there are so many other options to get you moving.
An at-home yoga class is a great option once you get the green light from your doctor, as is going for a quick stroll around the block just to get some fresh air. And when the weather is bad, there’s nothing wrong with pushing the stroller around supermarket aisles. Find something that works for you!
Find someone to talk to
It’s not uncommon for new moms to feel very lonely while they stay home all day to look after their baby. Having someone to talk to – especially someone in the same boat – is very important, so try and look for local support groups to attend at least once a week.
Community is very important during your new journey into motherhood, and new moms are always willing to help each other out. These groups are great, regardless of whether you want top parenting tips, just want someone to talk to about non-baby-related subjects, or just want to get out of the house for an hour.
You can find out about meetings from local hospitals, churches, and even social media. And don’t be afraid to ask local parents where they went for support during their pregnancies, and after their children were born.
Be in the moment
Never take any moment with your baby for granted, and try and be present in everything you do with your baby. Take deep breaths when feeding your baby, for example, and focus on everything you see, hear, smell, and feel.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
This is by far the most important tip for new moms.
Moms, whether they are new to the role or not, are often afraid to ask for help for fear of looking like an unfit mother. But the sooner we accept that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, the better. And luckily, there are many places to seek help from such as friends, family members, and even support groups on the internet.
Asking your partner to take over some duties to allow you to cook a nutritious meal, shower, or even go for a short walk, is nothing to be ashamed of; even if they have just come home from a long day at the office!
Self Care Tips for New Moms
Time away from your baby may be tough at first, but these moments alone can be crucial to help you recharge and give the best of yourself to your baby. It’s all about quality as opposed to quantity, so don’t feel guilty about requesting some me time.
These self-care tips for new moms can help you begin to feel human again during this very exciting (and tiring) time. What are your favorite self-care tips for new moms?
