It goes without saying that having a baby is one of the most stressful things you can do in life, yet it is, of course, the most rewarding. Between the pregnancy, the delivery, the hospital, and adjusting to your literal new life after bringing your baby home, there isn’t a lot of time or attention paid to YOUR wellbeing. There is more truth to the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” than you think. In today’s article, we’re going to cover some ways in which you can make more time for self care during these hectic weeks and months so that you can hit the ground running into being a new parent. As always, please share your stories with us!
Why Self-Care Matters (Especially Now)
This is a crucial time for self-care for many reasons, but chief among which being that it helps you to be better prepared for the challenges ahead if you are able to properly heal after delivery, catch up on sleep (occasionally), and feel replenished enough to take on everything that being a mom to a newborn brings. Your mental health and wellness are just as important as other child-care needs because you are the glue that holds it all together. Prioritize your well-being because it is important to everyone!
Simple, Realistic Self Care Practices for New Moms
You deserve care too! That is an important thing to keep in mind as you navigate the postpartum period. Here are some things that you can do or prioritize as the time comes.
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- Sleep: Prioritize your sleep needs as well. Yes, you will most likely have to get creative with this one, but ask your partner or a close friend or relative to tap in for a night or two so that you can get some solid rest, because you’re also still recovering from a major medical procedure, especially if you had to do a C-Section birth. Overnight newborn care support services are truly a godsend. Please ask us about our local or travel services.
- Nutrition: Almost as important as sleep, you and your partner should take steps to prepare for your nutritional needs before the baby arrives! During this time, you will want to stock the pantry with as many postpartum-friendly foods as possible and resist the temptation to order takeout or fast food.
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- Examples of foods to have on hand to ensure that you will not only get the nutrition you need, but will be readily available and easy to prepare in order to reduce the need or excuse for ordering out when hunger strikes
- Oatmeal: quick to prepare, filling, and packed with fiber and iron and complex carbs. Helps with milk production.
- Bone broth or meat stock: packed with nutrition and flavor and is gentle on the digestive tract, which is crucial for recovery
- Smoothies: keep on hand some of your favorite ingredients for a nutritional smoothie that you can make in about 10 minutes that will help keep you feeling full and energized
- Sweet potatoes: great to make ahead of time and reheat when mashed or they can be roasted or baked like a traditional potato. Supports immune system as well as provides other nutrients
- Keep on hand a good supply of your favorite snacks and quick treats, even if they aren’t the most healthy option because typically eating something is better than nothing and having your favorite snack on hand is a good morale boost!
- Warm soups: yes, even in summer. Warm foods are the most healing and the easiest on the digestive system. They are also easy to make and prepare ahead of time.
- 9-Golden Months & The First 40 Days: Please check out both of these amazing resources to guide and support you through pregnancy and the first 40 days postpartum. Rooted in Chinese Traditional Medicine and some ayurveda principles, these resources will help you nutritionally support yourself and your growing baby.
- Examples of foods to have on hand to ensure that you will not only get the nutrition you need, but will be readily available and easy to prepare in order to reduce the need or excuse for ordering out when hunger strikes
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- Hydration: Staying hydrated is an essential part to staying happy, healthy, and with enough energy to take on the day. Make sure you and your partner are monitoring your water intake and mix it up with healthy options like herbal teas (raspberry leaf or fennel) or sports drinks/hydration powder mixes
- Movement: Ask your partner or close relative to help you get some dedicated movement time every day, if possible. Have them watch the baby for 10 or 15 minutes while you stretch, go for a walk, or do some light Yoga. This will help you stay centered and heal faster as well.
- Connection: Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to friends and relatives. Hearing about the latest drama or life events with your friends and family is a great way to stay connected and to keep your mind in a happier place.
- Alone time: Have someone help you get some much-needed alone time on a regular basis. Whether that’s every day, or a few days a week, anything helps! Taking five or ten minutes to journal, shower, do a meditation routine, or practice your favorite hobby can help you stay centered and happier.
- Outside help: Remember, it really takes a village! Your friends and family are always going to be happy to help in any way they can. Don’t think of yourself as a burden, they would love to help you in your time of need. Asking for help isn’t failing!
Before You Go
We hope you enjoyed learning about tips for better self care during the weeks and months after having your baby. If you would like to know more about this, our sleep learning, consulting or training programs or any of our excellent newborn care services or overnight newborn support, we are happy to help. Just contact us and we can go over your options and help you find the best path for your little one.
We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
Katie B.
Expertise You Need:
- Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
- Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022)
- Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
- 16 years professional childcare experience
- Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022)
- Travel & ROTA Nanny
Katie has over 16 years experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionally supported families and babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served hundreds of families, holds 20,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies and has 69+ 5-⭐️ Google reviews.
