1. Take Good Care Of Yourself
It is common for new mothers to dedicate all their attention and energy to the newborn, forgetting about their wellbeing. While this might sound cliché, it is important that you look after yourself to be able to give your newborn the absolute best. Although you already know this, childbirth puts a lot of stress on your body and mind, a reason doctors recommend getting enough rest and replenishing with rich, nutritious foods. That said, you want to take as much rest as you can and be mindful of the foods you eat. This is also the time when your partner should be most active in helping with the child to allow you enough time to rest and recover. Sharing responsibilities will go a long way in improving your recovery and help combat postpartum depression.
Find a balance between caring and attending to the baby and yourself. Many health experts recommend getting enough sleep, especially while the baby sleeps. Adjust your schedules to match your baby’s needs, and start engaging in activities that will help you relax and beat depression. This can be anything from listening to relaxing music, light yoga, reading, meditating, and a bit of physical exercise. For more info on life as a mother, visit Motherhoodcommunity.com!
2. Get Plenty Of Rest
It is crucial for new mothers to get plenty of rest, especially the first few days after childbirth. Although the newborn may make it hard to sleep for 8 hours straight at night, you still need to make maximum use of any chance you have. Lack of sleep (especially for new mothers) is one of the leading causes of postpartum depression. One way to overcome this is to take napes regularly during the day, especially when the baby is asleep as well. If possible, ask your partner or even family members to help with the baby while you sleep. If no one is available, you might as well hire a nanny or childcare services. Ask your friends and family for help finding a good and trustworthy babysitter.
3. Stay Active (Exercise)
Although all you want is to spend much of your time with the newborn, your body needs to be able to take the extra strain and effort. Focusing on the baby alone is tiring physiologically, a reason you should get out and get some physical exercise. Physical exercise is one of the best remedies for fatigue and works wonders for new mothers – your recovering body needs it too. A little exercise, such as taking the baby out for a walk in a stroller, walking, and yoga, would be enough for the moment. You however should avoid anything strenuous as this could be risky.
4. Learn To Ask For Help
Caring for a newborn is a full-time job. While the child might be your responsibility, it doesn’t mean you should do it alone. Friends and family may be able to help – if you let them. Most new parents choose to do it alone, putting themselves at an even greater risk of depression. It is okay for one to ask for help, especially when overwhelmed with responsibilities.
It would help if you also welcomed to allow friends and family a chance to offer their help and support. Even the smallest gesture, such as offering to rock the child to sleep while you attend to other responsibilities, goes a long way. It is also through asking for help that you’ll have someone to talk to or even share your challenges with, making the load lighter. Sometimes speaking to a professional can help, visit Clarity Chi to find out more abut their therapy services.
5. Stick To A Healthy Diet Plan
Proper nutrition
holds the key to physical and mental wellness, especially when you are a new mother. That said, it might be best to avoid most fast foods and go for organic and healthy options as well. Simple meals such as a smoothie, apple and carrot slices, some veggies, and lean red or white meat would come in handy. These foods help replenish the body with the essential nutrients needed for recovery and your newborn’s wellness. If possible, create a diet plan and cook your meals as well. It will be easier to watch what you eat this way. This also lets your mind wander elsewhere as you prepare the meals while your partner looks after the baby.
