As a first time mom, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, after all, our priorities have completely changed to providing for our new bundle of joy.
When we become mothers we go through what anthropologists call “matrescence”. Not only is a child born, but so is a mother and with that birth comes growing pains.
Because of this, we’ve outlined 5 self-care tips for the new mom below in hopes to give ideas on how to practice some self care this new year.
As a first time mom, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own, after all, our priorities have completely changed to providing for our new bundle of joy.
When we become mothers we go through what anthropologists call “matrescence”. Not only is a child born, but so is a mother and with that birth comes growing pains.
Because of this, we’ve outlined 5 self-care tips for the new mom below in hopes to give ideas on how to practice some self care this new year.
1. Hydrate Your Body
It is as important as ever to take care of your body during postpartum. Drink plenty of water, it will make you feel more energized, and your body will overall feel better than if you were to be dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water near your nursing station, or wherever you spend a lot of time as a reminder to hydrate.
1. Hydrate Your Body
It is as important as ever to take care of your body during postpartum. Drink plenty of water, it will make you feel more energized, and your body will overall feel better than if you were to be dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water near your nursing station, or wherever you spend a lot of time as a reminder to hydrate.
2. Get Outdoors
When in the fourth trimester it is easy to fall into a cycle of feeding, changing diapers, swaddling, all indoors.
One way to practice self-care is to get outdoors and do something as simple as going on a walk. Being in nature is proven to improve mood and lower stress, which can be a huge plus in this new stage of life. Go ahead and allow the baby to nap in the stroller every once in a while, and enjoy some fresh air outdoors.
2. Get Outdoors
When in the fourth trimester it is easy to fall into a cycle of feeding, changing diapers, swaddling, all indoors.
One way to practice self-care is to get outdoors and do something as simple as going on a walk. Being in nature is proven to improve mood and lower stress, which can be a huge plus in this new stage of life. Go ahead and allow the baby to nap in the stroller every once in a while, and enjoy some fresh air outdoors.
3. Do Something That Makes You Happy
Whether it be a hobby you have always enjoyed, or perhaps meeting with a friend for lunch, set some time aside to engage in activities that bring you joy. To plan ahead so the baby is taken care of, and in order to avoid engorgement, you can pump and store milk in our Breastmilk Storage Jars before heading out.
By pumping beforehand, you will be comfortable and can mentally disconnect. It is okay to do something for YOU - remember you were someone before you were a mother, and can still be that person.
3. Do Something That Makes You Happy
Whether it be a hobby you have always enjoyed, or perhaps meeting with a friend for lunch, set some time aside to engage in activities that bring you joy. To plan ahead so the baby is taken care of, and in order to avoid engorgement, you can pump and store milk in our Breastmilk Storage Jars before heading out.
By pumping beforehand, you will be comfortable and can mentally disconnect. It is okay to do something for YOU - remember you were someone before you were a mother, and can still be that person.
4. Ask For & Accept Help
It can feel difficult to ask for help, even if you acknowledge you’re overwhelmed. After all, you have gotten to know your baby the best, have set routines and your body is even in sync with baby when it comes to breastfeeding.
However when needed, ask for more help if you have a support system at home. If you have a partner or older children, think of a few care tasks they can take on for you. This will help immensely in reducing the mental load during the fourth trimester.
4. Ask For & Accept Help
It can feel difficult to ask for help, even if you acknowledge you’re overwhelmed. After all, you have gotten to know your baby the best, have set routines and your body is even in sync with baby when it comes to breastfeeding.
However when needed, ask for more help if you have a support system at home. If you have a partner or older children, think of a few care tasks they can take on for you. This will help immensely in reducing the mental load during the fourth trimester.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Lastly, go easy on yourself. Motherhood is a unique transition in life - at times it can feel heavy. As mothers, we may sometimes question ourselves and overthink everything we’re doing. Take motherhood one day at a time, and take comfort in knowing that moments come in phases - they will pass, even the hard ones.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Lastly, go easy on yourself. Motherhood is a unique transition in life - at times it can feel heavy. As mothers, we may sometimes question ourselves and overthink everything we’re doing. Take motherhood one day at a time, and take comfort in knowing that moments come in phases - they will pass, even the hard ones.