The transition to motherhood brings immense joy, but also unexpected challenges – particularly when it comes to time management and self-care. While caring for your newborn naturally becomes your top priority, maintaining your own well-being is crucial for both you and your baby's health.
While it will be challenging, it’s not impossible to make sure you take care of you. Below are some pointers that can help.
Get Your Sleep
While sleeping for a solid chunk of time may be a pipe dream for some, sleeping when your baby sleeps will allow you to get that much-needed rest. If you’re worried that you won’t wake to baby’s cries, keep a baby monitor on your nightstand or bring the crib into your bedroom. Ignore the temptation to do chores while your baby sleeps, because it’s vital that you get your rest. Youu may also consider room-sharing with your infant for easier nighttime care.
Stay Well Dressed
While it’s tempting to wear your maternity clothes out of convenience and to save money, it will help you feel your best to have comfortable clothes that fit. Get a couple of outfits in your size to wear until you get back to your pre-baby weight. How you dress may impact your mood.
Maintain Personal Care Routines
If you neglect the simple routine of taking a shower, it may take a toll on your mental health. To make sure you shower regularly, try taking a shower when someone is home. You can also bring your baby to the bathroom with you, or take a quick shower while the baby is napping. It will also help if you schedule 10-15 minutes daily for basic self-care.
Build Your Support Network and Accept Help
Regardless if you’re single or have a partner, trying to go it alone in caring for your baby is a big mistake. You may hate to ask for or accept help, but raising a baby is a lot of work. By recruiting help, you can make sure you have enough time to not only take care of the baby but to take care of yourself. To try and do it all yourself does nothing but put unrealistic expectations on you, giving you feelings of guilt when you’re unable to accomplish the impossible. It’s important to
ask for and accept help.
Things you may ask for help
Meal preparation
Laundry assistance
Running errands
Short-term childcare for self-care breaks
Make sure your partner is making an equal effort when it comes to the baby’s care, and enlist the help of family and friends. If you have a friend who loves to cook, see if they’ll cook you an occasional meal.
Professional Support for New Mothers
Struggling with the adjustment to motherhood is common and nothing to be ashamed of. As a licensed professional therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I'm here to help you navigate this transformative period.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact our office today at 805-947-0984 to discuss how we can work together to ensure your emotional well-being during this important time. It will make a difference for you, your child, and your marriage.
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