Self-Care Tips for New Moms

Life with a newborn can be daunting, especially for first-time moms.  Exhaustion, the realities of the demands of a baby, and the realization that your life and time is no longer your own can be overwhelming.  (If you are breastfeeding and/or have a baby that won't take a bottle, this is even more magnified.) You may feel that you have lost your "groove" forever and that things will never get back to "normal."  You will eventually get into the groove of your NEW normal, I promise.  

In the meantime, it's super important that you some find time to take care of YOU.  It's not selfish, mom.  You cannot give from a depleted source.  Your whole family will benefit from you taking care of yourself.

Here are a few ideas for squeezing in some self-care.

• Take a hot bubble bath (without anyone around).  Hand baby over for an hour, get lost in a good book, and rest your weary body.
• Take a shower.  It's a very simple way to recharge!  We have all been there...covered in spit-up, 2 day-old clothes, unwashed hair... 
• Buy a new outfit and give yourself grace if it's not the size you were hoping for. Make sure it's something you feel really good wearing.  Your pre-pregnancy body will return in time (or it won't, and that's okay too!).  A fresh look can give you a much needed confidence boost as will the trip out!
• Take a time out (of the house!).  Meet a friend for coffee, go shopping alone (even if it's grocery shopping!), or run some errands by yourself.  Put on some good tunes and roll the windows down (eventually spring will come here in blustery Chicagoland!).
• Exercise.  Take a walk around your neighborhood, find a yoga/pilates class, or dust off your bike and take a ride.  The endorphins will serve you well at this time in your life!
• Drink lots of water and eat nutritious food.  We have all heard the phrase "garbage in, garbage out."  Postpartum hormones can be a wicked thing.  Feeding your body good fuel during this time can help boost your mood and help you get some restorative energy flowing.
• Get support.  If you are struggling, seek out a trusted friend who's been there, done that.  Sometimes all we need is someone telling us, "This is normal.  Your feelings are valid.  It IS HARD.  You're a great mom.  You're doing an awesome job!" (P.S. If I was your doula, call ME.  I promise I'll encourage and build you up!)
  
• Finally, give yourself grace.  You are in the midst of a major life transition.  It's okay to feel how you feel.  It's okay that your home is not perfect.  It's okay to not know what you are doing and to ask for help.  

​I hope these tips are helpful!  You're doing great, mom.  Hang in there.  Remember, "this too shall pass."  Your kids will always need you.  This short season of being "on demand" all the time will lift.  In the meantime, make sure you find time to recharge.  It'll do you good!

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