Motherhood is undoubtedly a period of immense joy, love, and fulfillment. You can finally hold your little bundle of joy in your arms and watch them grow and learn daily. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
However, as any new mom will tell you, it’s also a time of immense stress, exhaustion, and anxiety. You’re now responsible for another human being and want to do everything right to ensure they’re happy and healthy. You’re also trying to adjust to your new role and figure out how to balance everything. Your routine is entirely different now, and you may feel like you’re constantly running around.
Juggling the demands of a new baby, house chores, and other obligations can also be overwhelming. Not to mention the ever-present guilt that comes with being unable to do it all. If you have loved ones around you who often take on childcare responsibilities, you may feel like you should be able to do more.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you a bad parent if you need assistance. Your well-being is just as important as your child’s, and to become the best parent; you need to take care of yourself.
Prioritizing self-care can help you feel happier, healthier, and more capable of meeting the demands of motherhood. Here are eight tips for new moms to prioritize well-being and self-care:
1. Know your concerns and priorities
What is causing you stress? Is it your baby’s health? Do you think they suffered any injuries during the birth? Most moms aren’t aware of birth injury and the potential for their child to get hurt before, during, or after labor and delivery.
If you think your child may have suffered a birth injury, get a free review of your case today. You’ll be eligible for financial compensation and can take the first step in protecting your child’s future.
Additionally, make a list of your priorities as a mom. What do you aim to achieve in the first few months? Is it getting more sleep, healing your body post-delivery, or bonding with your baby? It will help you stay focused and not get overwhelmed.
2. Find moments for yourself every day
Although it may seem impossible to find time for yourself when you’re constantly caring for a baby, it’s crucial to prioritize it. Whether taking a fifteen-minute break to read a book or going on a walk around the block, find something that allows you to relax and recharge.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. As a mom, you need to fill yours up first. It is crucial for both your baby’s and your well-being. Otherwise, you’ll feel resentful, frustrated, and exhausted, negatively affecting your parenting.
3. Set realistic expectations
Understand that you’ve just had a baby, and your life has changed – a lot. It can be easy to underestimate your capabilities and push yourself to meet all your expectations, but that’s not possible (or healthy) right now.
If you used to spend an hour working out every day, now you may only have time for a 20-minute workout. And that’s okay. Maybe your ten-minute shower has now become a five-minute shower. That’s still fine. The point is that you’re doing all you can with the time and energy you have. Stop pressurizing yourself, and focus on the positive aspects of your new life.
4. Get enough sleep
Having a newborn and being sleep-deprived go hand-in-hand. It’s one of the most challenging things about being a new parent. You may be up all night caring for your baby and running on fumes during the day. However, lack of sleep can affect physical and mental health. So, it’s essential to get as much sleep as you can.
When your baby is sleeping, take a nap yourself. Have your partner or a family member take over for a few hours so you can get some much-needed rest. You may feel guilty about sleeping when your baby is asleep, but you must also care for yourself.
5. Seek out a support system
Nothing can truly prepare you for the experience of becoming a parent. No matter how many magazines and books you read or how much advice you get from family and friends. Because when the little one finally arrives, everything changes. You’re likely to feel various emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and fear.
At that moment, you need strong support more than ever before. Ensure you have a network of people you can rely on, whether it’s your partner, family members, close friends, or even a support group for new parents. These people can offer practical help, like babysitting, so you can take a break or lend a listening ear when you need to vent.
6. Pamper yourself
During your pregnancy, you were probably focused on caring for the baby-to-be. Eating right, getting enough rest, and avoiding harmful substances were all essential things you did for the health of your child. Now that the baby has arrived, you must continue caring for yourself.
Just as you made sure to get enough rest and nutrition when you were pregnant, you need to do the same now and focus on pampering yourself. Get a prenatal massage, have a spa day, take a relaxing bath, or try retail therapy to make yourself feel better. Anything that makes you feel good and boosts your confidence will help you feel better about your postpartum body.
7. Engage your senses to relieve stress
Whether you like listening to calm music, lighting scented candles, or spending time in nature, engaging your senses can quickly reduce stress. When you take a break to do something you enjoy, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties.
However, ensure that you take the time to savor the experience. Don’t just listen to music passively in the background while you do something else. Instead, sit down, close your eyes, and focus on the tunes. Likewise, don’t just glance at a beautiful landscape; stop and take it all in. The key is to slow down and savor the moment.
8. Practice gratitude
When stressed, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong. But taking the time to appreciate what’s going right can be a powerful way to boost your mood and reduce stress.
Make it a point to regularly think about or even write down what you’re grateful for, even minor things. It can be anything from your health to a recent act of kindness someone did for you. You can also try gratitude meditation, focusing on things you’re thankful for in each moment. It will help you appreciate the good in your life and let go of negative thoughts.
Conclusion
The first few weeks or months after your baby is born can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s natural to feel some anxiety and stress as you adjust to your new role and lifestyle. Following the tips mentioned above can help you manage your emotions and take care of yourself. Ensure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and take everything one day at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your partner, friends, or family for support. You can also seek professional help if needed.
No matter what you’re going through, remember that this phase is temporary and will eventually end. Cherish the moments you have with your new baby and try to enjoy this special time.