Becoming a new mother is one of the most extraordinary experiences a woman can go through. The arrival of a new family member can evoke a rollercoaster of emotions. But amid the joy and excitement, it is easy for the new mothers to get overwhelmed as they go through motherhood, having very little time for self-care. However, it is important to remember that taking care of yourself is crucial for a smooth pregnancy and the ability to take care of the baby after birth.
On that note, here are some self-care tips for the new moms.
1- Don’t Fight Sleep
Yes, it’s easier said than done. Sleep deprivation is very common among new moms, and it can take a huge toll on both physical, as well as emotional well-being of the mother. Babies don’t sleep across the night, which means you will also be woken up at various times.
While you may not be able to get six to eight hours of sleep in one go, you should catch some sleep when your baby is sleeping. Sleep deprivation can impact both your mental and physical health negatively.
If the week is becoming very tough, you can also ask your partner or a family member to watch the baby while you sleep. It doesn’t have to be daily and not specifically at night. A loved one can care for the baby once a week in the evening or early in the morning.
2- Take your Vitamins
Sure, prenatal vitamins are important to ensure fetal development while facilitating a mother’s health. However, postnatal vitamins are equally imperative. These vitamins include iron, vitamin D, choline, calcium, biotin, vitamin K, riboflavin, and other nutrients, and are aimed at helping mothers recover from delivery. In fact, special vitamins such as Thorne prenatal are specifically recommended for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or lactating.
But, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking anything.
3- Prioritize Healthy Food
It’s very likely that you forget to eat proper meals throughout the day when feeding your baby. Munching on unhealthy food just because it’s quick and easy isn’t the way out. As a new mother, recovery from pregnancy and birth requires good proteins, minerals, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Firstly, instead of grabbing fast food and snacks like chips, you should have finger foods in your refrigerator that you can munch on. These include veggies, hummus, baby carrots, and cheese cubes.
Cooking every day can be a huge chore; your instinct will be to get takeaways or order your favorite fast food daily. While these foods can help you deal with hunger, you won’t be able to cover your daily nutritional requirements.
Accordingly, sit down at the start of every week to plan your meals according to your nutritional needs. Rice, cereal, whole grains, low-fat dairy, meat, vegetables, and fruits are all important, especially for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers.
On the other hand, if cooking every day is difficult, you can try cooking multiple meals at once and freeze them.
4- Light Exercise Can Help
After delivery, a mother’s body undergoes various physical changes that persist for weeks. Hardcore exercise might be out of the question for some time, but even taking a walk around the block can be a good way to stay active.
The aim of exercise should not be to simply lose weight but to ensure a healthy lifestyle. In fact, engaging in gentle exercises a few times a week, such as postnatal yoga, can also help nourish your mental health. The light movements and fresh air can help reduce everyday stress and uplift your mood.
5- Engage in Things you Love
One reason motherhood seems daunting is that women tend to assume that they can no longer focus on their hobbies. You may no longer have enough time to spend on the things you like to do, but motherhood does not mean you cannot take time for your overall well-being.
Even taking out 30 minutes every day for yourself can make a huge difference in your everyday life. From taking a warm bath to reading a book or indulging in any hobby you like, small moments like these can help your mood and health.
6- Stay Connected with Other Mothers
Many mothers feel isolated and alone when they embark on the journey of motherhood. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and many challenges you face might be common to others as well.
It is always a good idea to seek support groups or neighborhood meetups to help you connect with new mothers. These meetups can help you share your challenges, learn from other’s experiences, and have a good time with people who understand your struggles. You might even make long-term friends who can act as a support system for you.
7- Be Kind to Yourself
Most importantly, you should remember to be kind to yourself. As a new mother, you will make mistakes and feel uncertain a lot of the time. But at the end of the day, it’s okay to make mistakes because you are navigating motherhood for the very first time. Other mothers will also tell you how they have sometimes failed during this journey.
You should also celebrate every small victory that comes your way. After all, you are trying to do the best for your child. Moreover, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help as a mother. It’s not a sign of weakness. Postpartum emotions are particularly complex.
Conclusion
Being a new mother is a beautiful experience but can also be challenging. Your well-being will also define the mood and upbringing of your child. It is important to remember that motherhood isn’t supposed to drain you out and completely strip away the things you like from your life.
Self-care is also not a luxury but instead a necessity. So, make sure you prioritize yourself as well. Following the aforementioned self-care tips, you can nurture yourself and enjoy every moment with your little bundle of joy!
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