Bringing home a newborn is one of life’s most joyful experiences, but it’s also one of the most demanding. Between feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights (we’re tired just thinking about it!), many new moms quickly find themselves running on empty. While it may feel like your focus should be entirely on your baby, caring for yourself is just as important. In fact, practicing self-care helps you show up as the best version of yourself for baby. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus less on your baby and more on your needs so that you too can feel happy, healthy, and loved so that you can pass it along to your little one.
Make Your Rest/Sleep A Priority Whenever Possible
You will need to communicate with your partner and/or parents on this one, but it is very possible to get a hand from them. Let them know that when you are able to feel rested and recharged that you will be able to better take care of the baby and will be more pleasant to be around overall. Also, if you’re breastfeeding, this is doubly important because your body absolutely needs as much rest as possible in order to ensure steady milk production.
Nap when your baby naps, even if just for 20–30 minutes.
Share nighttime duties with a partner, family member, or overnight nurse when possible.
Let go of non-essential chores—the dishes can wait, your rest cannot.
Take Time for Small Pleasures
Yes, your baby is probably taking up the vast majority of your daily attention, but you also need to pay attention to some things that you like and that make you happy. The great thing is that there are so many things that can have huge return on investment when it comes to happiness or mood improvement but take very little time. Here are a few to get you inspired:
- Savor a hot drink
-
-
- Have a friend or family member do a quick coffee run for your favorite drink or make your own hot chocolate, cider, or tea and just take 5 or 10 minutes by yourself to enjoy it in a quiet environment
-
- Indulge in a mini spa moment
- Enjoy a warm shower without rushing
- Creative expression
-
-
- Spend a few minutes journaling, sketching, knitting, or doing a craft you love
-
- Step outside for fresh air, even for 10 minutes
- Listen to your favorite podcast or music while feeding your baby
- Keep a journal to jot down thoughts or capture milestones
- Read or listen (investing in a good pair of headphones with a pass-through feature helps you listen to your favorite tunes while also being able to hear your surroundings)
-
- Keep a favorite book, audiobook, or podcast on hand for short bursts of entertainment or inspiration
Before You Go
We hope that this blog about self care tips was helpful to you. If your little one is still fussy after feeds, struggling to settle, or having trouble sleeping, we’re here to support you.
From sleep consulting to in-home sleep training and overnight newborn care or in-home newborn care services, we offer personalized guidance to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you need.
Have questions? Let’s Chat — we’d love to help your family rest easier.
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.
