When I was a first-time mom, everything seemed so daunting. I had to keep a tiny human alive while barely getting enough time for myself. I’m so grateful that my mom was able to help out for a couple of months, because I doubt I would have had the energy to cook and clean, much less take the time for some self-care.
Self-care is probably the furthest from your mind when you’re dealing with a colicky baby, midnight feedings, and diaper blowouts. However, it’s important to take care of yourself, if only to maintain a semblance of sanity. You may be a walking mombie, but that’s exactly why some pampering is necessary.
I’m not saying to go out and have a spa day, which sounds incredible if you’re able to. But many of us don’t, and we have to squeeze in some me-time when we can, which I wish I had done, just to feel more like me.
Here are some practical ways you can give yourself a good dose of TLC as a brand-new mama.
Go outside at least once a day
Every day is a blur when you’re taking care of a newborn, and it’s easy to forget about the living world outside. Just remember, some fresh air and sunlight will do you good, so try to step outside for at least 10 minutes a day.
If the weather’s nice, strap your baby into a stroller and go for a brisk walk. You’ll get some exercise, and maybe your kid will get in a nice, soothing nap.
Keep healthy snacks around
When you don’t have time for a full meal, you may be tempted to just reach for a bag of chips or sweets, but loading up on junk food will only make you feel sluggish. That’s why it’s important to have healthy grazing food ready at hand. Grapes, carrot sticks, cubed cheese, and yogurt cups are easy and filling ways to replenish your body.
Do a mommy and baby workout
Around the three or four-month mark, my daughter was colicky from about 6 pm to 3 am. Those nights were brutal. She wouldn’t settle down and would just whine for hours (at least it wasn’t full-on crying). During that time, I would put her in a baby carrier, put something on the television, and bounce her gently or do squats.
Hopefully, your baby isn’t colicky, but you can do the same thing. A 10-12 lb infant makes for good weights, and holding them close creates nice bonding time. Fit With Sally has a great 20-minute workout for just this.
Practice breathwork
There’s a reason why people say, “Take a breath” when someone’s stressed. It actually helps calm the nervous system and physically resets your body. We all know how to do deep breathing, but according to the British Heart Foundation, you can try different techniques, as well.
The box breathing method consists of you breathing in for four counts, holding your breath for four, and then releasing it while counting to four.
The 4-7-8 method involves breathing in for four counts, holding your breath for seven counts, and then pushing the air through your mouth for eight counts.
You can also try breathing through one nostril and then letting the air out with the other, which is a yoga technique proven to reduce stress.
Take time to shower
Showering may be the last thing on your mind with everything you have to do as a new mom, but it’s a form of self-care that you should take time for. Even a quick five-minute shower to shampoo and condition your hair will have you feeling refreshed — don’t even worry about shaving.
Newborns will nap for at least 20 minutes to a couple of hours, so this is the perfect time for a refreshing wash. And, if they wake up crying, just know that they’ll be okay for a few minutes in their crib.
Accept help
Many new moms turn away help because they don’t want to put others out. But if a friend or relative wants to stop by with food or watch the baby for a couple of hours, let them. People love helping others and feeling useful, so don’t worry about being a burden. If someone I knew had a baby, I would jump at the chance to hold one again, as those days are long past me with a teen and a tween.
