Importance of Self-Care for New Mothers
Importance of Self-Care for New Mothers
Giving birth is one of the most profound acts that women are blessed to experience. And with that comes an entire host of feelings and responsibilities- from excitement to exhaustion.
For many women, having a baby is something they’ve dreamt of their entire life, and when they finally hold their precious baby, they don’t want to miss an instant! The feeling of love you feel for your newborn baby is unlike any other. It can feel overpowering and the nurturing mother instinct kicks in automatically.
However, slowly over time, you may begin to bear the signs of fatigue if there is little to no time for rest or self-care. Yes, that’s right, Importance of Self-Care even for new mothers!
And this is also the million-dollar question… how can you build time in for yourself as a new mother?
In the early postpartum days, most of your energy is going to be spent taking care of your newborn, and this is what your heart and mind want to do. That means there is not going to be much time or energy left over for yourself. However, it’s important to fill your cup so that you not only can feel your best but also be your best for your baby and family.
You may be asking what can be done to prioritize your self-care.
Self-care is not selfish. The act of self-care allows you to live with more peace, calm, happiness, and good health. Even just a small amount makes a big difference.
If your child wanted a nice meal, a hot bath, a good book, or some time with friends, surely you would allow them! So, there’s no need to restrict yourself, either. Here are some ideas of ways to take time for yourself
Practice yoga
Join your local class to move, stretch your body, and breathe. A gentle style will relieve sore muscles from nursing and calm your mind of any stresses.
Meditate
You may not be able to meditate first thing in the morning because of baby duties, but dedicate some time to the practice when the baby takes a nap- even if only for 10 minutes! A small amount of time on a consistent basis will have much more benefit than the occasional practice.
Treat yourself
Once a month, do something nice for yourself- go to a hair appointment, get your nails done, or enjoy tea with a friend at a café. You deserve it!
Journal
Write down your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. This is like word therapy! Allow yourself to really feel whatever it is you are feeling, instead of taking it out on anyone else when you may feel frustrated.
