Why Self Care is Essential for New Moms

Practicing daily self care is vital to the mental and physical health of any new mother. While you are busy tending to the needs of your newborn, be sure to take a moment to reflect upon your own physical, mental and social needs. Assess if these needs are being met and what steps are being made to practice self care every day. It can be difficult to remember to take care of yourself when all of a sudden your world has been turned upside down by your new arrival. However, it’s important to note that your overall wellbeing has a domino effect on the health of your newborn so it is absolutely necessary for both mom and baby that you prioritize self care.

Take a Break

It can be unsettling for new moms to spend time away from their baby. However, it is important to reach out to your partner or a trusted family member to help with your newborn so you don’t neglect daily self care. Even setting aside twenty minutes for yourself can boost your energy and help you reset. This could be as simple as taking a leisurely hot shower, enjoying your morning coffee in a quiet space or catching an afternoon power nap.

Lighten the Load

For new moms, daily errands such as a grocery store run, doing laundry or walking the dog aren’t quite as simple as they used to be. It can be overwhelming and exhausting to juggle these tasks whilst getting to grips with motherhood. Asking for some practical help so as not to overload your to-do list is a great form of self care. Don’t be afraid to text your shopping list to a friend or ask your neighbor to take your dog to the park. The babocush can also help with those times you need an extra pair of hands; while giving you the chance to work on some household chores, the babocush can give your baby some relaxing tummy time. Moms aren’t expected to be superheroes and it’s perfectly okay to call in a few favors to allow you to focus on yourself and your baby.

Find Your Tribe

A key component to self care for new moms is making sure you do not feel isolated as you face the challenges of motherhood. Make sure to network with other moms regularly to share your experiences and support one another. You can join an online group, plan a coffee date with a friend or even pick up the phone to call your own mom. Women know how to uplift one another when times get tough. Have your own little community of awesome moms to vent to and you’ll soon realize that you are not alone in the daily struggles of motherhood.

Quick and Easy Cooking

Busy new moms simply do not have time to spend hours in the kitchen every day trying to prepare perfect and complex meals. Instead you can whip up a quick and colorful veg curry, one pot pasta dish or delicious stir fry in less than thirty minutes. It’s also a great idea to cook in large portions so you have plenty of leftovers that you can reheat when you don’t have those thirty minutes to spare. Bring in that yummy self care, not only by freeing up your time but also by choosing quick and easy nutritious options packed full of delicious veg.

Nourish and Hydrate Your Body

Breathe, Meditate, Stretch

When you’re adjusting to motherhood there is so much going on that you can forget to just take a breath. The simple act of conscious breathing anchors you in the present moment and steadies the heart rate and helps you to deal with stress and anxiety more efficiently. Take a moment for a few deep breaths, especially when feeling in any way overwhelmed or challenged. Meditation is also highly beneficial for combating stress. There are plenty of guided meditation videos on YouTube which are only ten minutes long. You could even try out a mother and baby yoga class at your local yoga studio for a special self care treat. Stretching aids in increasing blood flow and relieving muscle tiredness.

(Mama, you got this!) 

Kerry x

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