As a new mom with a sweet little baby to take care of, you have entered a wonderful season of life. But with all there is to do, it can be easy to forget that you need to take care of yourself, too. After all, you have just gone through tremendous changes, both physically and emotionally.
Here are a few tips to help you adjust and thrive to life as a new mom:
- Get more sleep – Sleep when your baby is sleeping. You need a break, and you need sleep. Everything else can wait.
- Relax – Do something relaxing whenever you can. For example, try listening to music or reading a book.
- Eat well – If you hit the comfort food too much, you will feel worse. You don’t need to give up all your “goodies”, but proper nutrition is key to feeling good. Try eating fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meat and not too many simple carbohydrates to help nourish you back to health — and to your pre-pregnancy body.
- Hydrate – Drinking enough water after pregnancy is very important to keep your body in balance. This is especially true if you are breastfeeding, as dehydration can affect your milk supply.
- Exercise – You should try to do some physical activity on most days. Walking, weights, and elliptical machines are examples. With this beautiful spring weather, it’s the perfect time to push your baby in the stroller.
- Make things simple – For example, it is not a sin to use paper plates and plastic cups to make kitchen cleaning easier. Or better yet, have someone else do it if possible.
- Make your needs known – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While women are incredible multitaskers, motherhood can be challenging, so help is often needed. Sometimes, if you take it all on yourself, resentment can grow into anger or depression.
- Be honest – Be open with yourself and others if you are feeling “blue”. Hormones and the life changes of having a baby can be overwhelming. It’s imperative to share these feelings with your doctor.
- Spend time with friends – Especially with other mothers with babies and children of similar ages, as support is important and encouraging as you experience these new changes.
By taking care of your physical and emotional health you will be able enjoy this wonderful time of your life — and be the best possible mom for your new bundle of joy.
