So much is demanded from mothers and as a first-time mom, you will find that you have so much to do and caring for your baby alone can take the greater part of the day. Until you chart a course for your home, many things will be left unattended and relationships will be neglected especially that of your partner.
Why is self-care important for new moms?
Anything worth something is worth taking care of and mothers are worth everything to their babies. If you allow the wear and tear to get to you, your baby will suffer the most. You are not a well of inexhaustible resource, you need to fill your taken too.
Self-care activities for new moms
So how do you take care of yourself when you have a newborn? There are a variety of activities that will help you be your best self as a new mom. You will feel like you and your baby are a part of the world and not estranged from it. They include:
1. Pay attention to your body. Don't push yourself too hard, allow your body some time to heal first. You just went through a major change so do what you can and leave the rest until later or have someone help you with it.
2. Change the scenery. It's a common practice here in Nigeria to go back home for
post-partum care or have your mom come over to your place.
3. Eat healthily. Cook from scratch when you can or ask for help from friends and family.
4. Drink a lot of water. Not just because you are breastfeeding but because it is a healthy practice to stay hydrated.
5. Read. Anything that is of interest to you, don't stop learning. Equip yourself with knowledge on how you can be a better parent.
6. Meet up with friends. Your friends understand that you are preoccupied with your newborn but leaving them out for too long can strain your relationships. For a change, they could hang out at your place for a movie and help you out too.
7. Work out regularly. Do not expect too much too soon, for the present, let it be about being healthy and not getting back in shape.
8. Meditate. It will help to calm your frayed nerves and keep your thought on the positive side.
9. Pray. It's therapeutic, casting all your cares on God, believing that he cares about your concerns and he is with you every step of the way. Search the Bible for verses on
courage and strength to keep you going.
10. Take a walk. Enjoy the outdoors and the different scenery for a change.
11. Set new goals. As you grow and achieve your goals, it is advisable to set new ones without which you become obsolete.
Challenge yourself to do more and be more than you are at the moment.
12. Visit the orphanage. Seeing children who have no dedicated care will make you more appreciative of your ability to care for your baby and spur you on to make the time to care for yourself.
13. Find a new interest. It could be something that you have always wanted to try or an interest you abandoned along the way.
14. Go on date nights. Chores and baby care can take a huge toll on your relationship with your partner. Having some time to yourselves will reignite the sparks of your relationship.
15. Watch a movie. Nothing like a movie to take your mind off the present to get lost in a story.
16. Create a schedule for your family. You must find what works best for you. You don't have to force suggestions from other people into your family but apply them in a way that fits your timing.
17. Go out with the baby. Take some time away from home using your baby stroller or carrier. Get a feel of how your days will be when going out with your baby becomes more regular.
18. Seek professional help. If you need your health checked out or you need help with your anxiety, please don't hesitate to contact proper help.
19. Dear diary. Document your journey with a diary or a journal. This may come in handy in your next pregnancy or make a good read when your babies are grown.
20. Take a long, relaxing bath. It will refresh you and give some succour to your tired body. Play music and dance in the shower; if you prefer to soak in the tub read a book or listen to soft music.
21. Go shopping. By now, it has become obvious that your pre-pregnancy fashion is not practical. Buy clothes that fit your new body shape and are baby friendly (if you are breastfeeding your baby). The shopping experience and your new, beautiful clothes will give your self-confidence a boost.
What do new moms struggle with the most?
Time management or sleep deprivation, take your pick. Your life as you knew it has changed and will not reset in the nearest possible future. Before your baby was born, you had everything down pat to the littlest details but it will not work that way when you have a newborn. This is because your newborn needs a lot of time - cuddling, feeding, changing diapers and cleaning up after them. Having time for yourself needs planning, it has come to that! It will take a while to monitor your baby's nap time and feeding time to allow you to create a schedule that works for you. Don't rush the process, give yourself some time and you will find what works for you and your little one.
Newborn care is typically around the clock so your usual sleeping time will have to fit with your baby's own. This is even more so if you are breastfeeding your infant. If you are bottle feeding, it can be a little easier because then your partner or friend can help you feed your baby while you get some much-needed sleep.
How to help a new mom from a distance
If you have a new mom in your circle of friends or family and you are too far away to
help the new mom and you are looking for ideas on how to take care of a new mom, you can pay for cleaning services, meal supplies or
newborn gifts.
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