Self Care For New Moms is very important aspect of woman’s health and According to a recent survey conducted by Healthy Women and Working Mother magazine women ranked their time spent managing health care in following order:
Children
Spouse
Pets
Elders
Themselves
78% said they often ignore taking care of themselves, and 86% Schedule most healthcare appointments for their kids.
Since you are the one whom your infant depends on for needs, new mothers typically feel overwhelmed very quickly. Though it may seem like you’re getting more stressed out at times, keep in mind that only you can make your child happy when you look after yourself. Try not to feel bad about taking whatever time, even a few minutes, if you can manage to find it, try not to feel guilty while taking it.
You can not able to set a schedule right now as the baby has not developed a fixed sleep routine however analysing day and time that open for you can help you make self care a priority. Here are some ways to practice self care
1. Meditate
It’s common for a new mother to neglect herself during sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and regularly disrupted sleep. Incorporating self-care in daily routine is crucial for new mothers.
Even a short meditation session can have a significant impact. There are several advantages to meditation, including its ability to lower stress, relax the body and mind, soothe anxiety and sadness, and improve attention and clarity. The goal of meditation is to cultivate compassion and self-awareness in oneself.
2. Eat Well and Keep Hydrated
Maintaining hydration and eating a diet high in nutrients will help you feel your best during the journey of parenting. A range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats should be included. Recall that your newborn is consuming everything you have, therefore you should eat as many good nutrients as you can during this postpartum and breastfeeding period. It’s crucial for your baby’s development.
Consuming an adequate amount of water will also help you in a good milk supply as well. Keeping a water bottle nearby can remind you to drink more often. You can also try herbal teas if you want some change in taste.
3. Breathe in Fresh Air
Are you experiencing mental tension and frustration from your lack of sleep and all the domestic chores? Spending a few minutes outside in the cool air can help you feel less stressed and find mental tranquillity.
Furthermore, sunshine exposure will aid in the synthesis of vitamin D. Thus, the next time you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, consider taking a few deep breaths outside in the fresh air. For new mothers, it’s a much-needed emotional reset.
4. Go For a Walk
For some alone time and burning calories, taking a stroll (Walk) is always the greatest option. It is a low-impact workout that can assist new mothers in regaining their old strength. Enhances blood flow and aids in the healing process after childbirth. A solo stroll also gives new mothers a sense of isolation and a reprieve from the expectations of others. Being surrounded by vegetation might help you feel at ease and relaxed.
5. Read
When you are feeling overwhelmed by all the infant responsibilities, reading can help you decompress and temporarily transport you to a different world. It might offer a psychological vacation from the duty of motherhood. Your mind can be sharpened and stimulated by reading. When you get a chance, pick up a book and indulge in some reading as self-care.
6. Keep Your Connections
It is another way of self care for new moms. You can join Mom groups In your community or locally that will support you and advice you in this journey as you are a new mom.
7. Pamper yourself
Set the mood with your favourite relaxing music, Dim lighting and aromatic candles then pamper yourself with a soothing bubble bath, facial mask and body massage, and create at-home spa day as this is the part of self care for new moms.
8. Take a day off from making Meals
The majority of you are so busy cooking for your partner, your infant, or the entire family that you have almost completely neglected to make your favourite dish. Take a day off, assign this work to a family member, or place an order from a restaurant in order to prioritize yourself. A vacation from a routine existence is always necessary and beneficial. Savouring a great meal can uplift and nurture your soul.
Also Read: Postpartum Recovery
9. Go to a Café
Going for a cup of coffee can provide much-needed mental rejuvenation. Staying cooped up at home for too long can contribute of the feeling of monotony. So go out and enjoy a sip. Remember Self care for new moms is very important for woman’s health.
10. Physical Activity
Your body is recovering gradually, and doing physical exercise can help you regain your strength and stamina. But make sure you do mild exercises and do not harm yourself by doing any vigorous exercise.
If you are a C-sec mother start doing physical activity after 12 weeks as your body and your stitches can’t bear the pressure yet. And if you have given birth naturally then you can begin the workout after 6 weeks as this is the time when in most of cases lochia have stopped and your episiotomy will be recovered so you can begin.
11. Listen Your Favourite Music
Exercise can assist your body’s gradual recovery and help you restore your strength and endurance. However, be careful to engage in gentle exercise and avoid doing any strenuous activity that could injure you. After 12 weeks, if you are a mother who had a C-section, begin exercising since your body and your stitches aren’t ready for the pressure. Additionally, if you had birth normally, you can start the exercise after six weeks, at which point your episiotomy will have healed and lochia will have typically finished.
12. Enjoy Outdoors
Plan a trip at least once a month; it doesn’t have to be a long one. You should treat yourself to the finest possible experience by going out and having fun without any obligations or hassles. You can take your family or friends on a picnic. To build your bond with your child, take them along for outdoor activities such as strolls with babywearing, picnics, and relaxing in the backyard.
13. Wake up 15 Minutes Earlier to have a time
If you want to practice a self-care routine you have to wake up earlier than your baby in the morning. In the morning you have a fresh mind and mindset you can start some physical exercises or follow some skincare regime to make time for yourself.
Also Read: How To Understand Baby Cues
14. Speak Affirmations
You can try these positive affirmations like:
“I am worthy of love and care, both from myself and others.”
“I trust my instincts and embrace the journey of motherhood with confidence.”
“I prioritize self-care because I deserve to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled.”
Remember self-care is not about being selfish its an essential part of being the best mom you can be.
15. Explore a New Hobby
Taking up a new pastime offers a chance to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. It’s important for new mothers to think about their interests and circumstances before pursuing a new pastime.
Select a hobby that you can fit effortlessly into your hectic schedule. Among the suggestions are fitness pursuits like yoga, Zumba, or aerobics; discovering a new interest like knitting or photography; or getting outside and spending time in nature.
16. Take a Nap
create a conducive environment suitable for sleep. Try to take short naps throughout the day whenever your baby is sleeping. You can use nap time for doing meditation, stretching, or relaxing with a good book. if you are feeling extremely exhausted don’t push yourself to stay awake. prioritize rest when needed.
17. Be Flexible
Instead of adhering to the strict routine and lofty expectations, embracing flexibility allows mothers to prioritize self care, whether its saying No to others or carving out quality Me Time setting boundaries is crucial for busy moms. You can’t have a fixed routine with a baby so be flexible and use whatever time you got in between taking care of your baby.
18. Go to a Salon
It’s more important to feel renewed and revitalized than it is to look nice. Get a haircut or a new hairstyle. It will make you feel happier and more self-assured. It is not ok to feel guilty about taking care of oneself. Make the appointment now and treat yourself to some much-needed pampering.
19. Be a Multitasker
By mastering the art of multitasking, moms can accomplish more in less time and increase their productivity. You can use apps to organize your tasks. By leveraging online sources moms can optimize their everyday tasks.
20. Embrace Mindfulness
Living stress-free and in a relaxed frame of mind can improve your experience as a mother. Mothers need to respond to their newborns, but it’s also important to maintain calmness when handling the child. Being mindful entails focusing all of your attention on the task at hand and paying attention to the current moment without passing judgment. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging the challenges of motherhood without judgement.
