Self-Care Tips for New Moms from our Healthcare Partner, UofL Health

A feature from our Healthcare Partner, UofL Health. 

When you are a new mom, practicing self-care can be challenging, but it is also very important.  Being on and at the ready for your children at all times can cause burnout and make things that could be everyday treasures feel like everyday chores. When your newborn arrived, you might have been so focused on counting fingers and toes, taking pictures of every movement and recording every giggle that you might have forgotten to eat or practice your pre-baby self-care routine.

Here are some self-care tips you can do to maintain a healthy you:

• Go for a walk. Low-impact exercises can help fill your days with more energy and enthusiasm to take care of your newborn. Postpartum can be a difficult time to pick up new exercises, but starting off slowly with a light walk, or doctor-approved exercises will help you get started.
• Connect with people you love. Connecting with the right people who will sit with you and listen will help your mental health. Whether you invite them over, meet them out for coffee, or whatever you need. Enjoy the adult conversations about topics other than diaper changes and feedings.
• Chores can wait. Many new moms often find times to do household chores when the baby is asleep, however, they can wait. Ignore the chores for a day, or even a few hours to do an activity that you like (that can include napping!). Additionally, ask your partner to help pick up chores too.
• Invest in your hobby or pick a new one. New moms find that doing a hobby they loved pre-baby helps them feel like their old self. If you don’t have one, find one to take your mind off things for an hour or so.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a new mom can be tough at times, but there are people around you who would love to lend a helping hand.
• Take care of your mental health. If you’re feeling the “baby blues,” don’t be afraid to reach out to someone for additional help. If those feelings last longer than two weeks, talk to a professional about postpartum depression.

As a new mom, with new responsibilities, it can be easy to forget about yourself a priority. You need to take care of your baby AND yourself. Try your best to do little things here and there that are just for you to take care of your mental and physical health. Practicing a self-care routine will have a positive impact on you and your baby’s well-being.

Don’t know where to start on creating a self-care routine? Check out this video about the importance of self-care and how to implement it in your daily routine.

Read more at UofL Health. 

“You need to take care of your baby AND yourself.”

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Frequently asked

How can new moms make time for self-care?

Start small: a short walk, time with people who listen, letting chores wait while you rest or nap, and an hour for a hobby that makes you feel like yourself. Ask your partner and the people around you for help. Most of them would love to be asked.

When are the baby blues something more?

Low mood, tearfulness and overwhelm are common in the first days after birth. If those feelings last longer than two weeks, talk to a professional about postpartum depression. It is common and treatable, and asking early helps.

References

1. Self-Care Tips for New Moms— UofL Health

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