As a brand new mom, all of your attention is focused on your baby. While it’s of course totally normal to feel completely devoted to your little one, it’s also important to focus on yourself a bit and practice good self care. After all, you just experienced nine months of pregnancy, childbirth, and are now coping with a newborn. Chances are you are physically and emotionally drained and could use a little self pampering. Here are some of our favorite ideas here at the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City for babying yourself as a new mama:
- Aim for Daily Showers
The stereotype of a frazzled and un-showered new mom is just that: a stereotype. If you find time to shower every day you will feel fresh, awake, and more like yourself. Fitting in a quick shower while someone watches over the baby, or while your baby sleeps in his portable bassinet in the bathroom doorway, will go a long way toward making you feel better.
- Get Exercise
You may feel too tired to exercise, but the truth is fitting some physical activity into each day will help you feel energized and will release mood-boosting brain chemicals that can help you cope with those sleep-deprived early months of parenthood.
Taking a brisk walk with your baby in a wrap or stroller, signing up for a yoga class, or doing a quick Zumba video while your baby sleeps will make you feel amazing. If you are still recovering from childbirth, be sure to check with your doctor and follow their recommendations about starting a postpartum fitness routine. Also, don’t forget to take care of your skin before you head out into the sun!
- Find Ways to Rest
New moms tend to sacrifice way too much sleep, which only makes being a new parent more difficult. If you need a nap, don’t be shy about asking your partner, close friends, or family to watch the baby for a couple hours. Most people want to help but may not know how until you ask.
- Make Time for Fun
You may feel pressure to fit in tons of chores and household tasks when your baby is sleeping, but don’t forget to make a little time for fun each day as well. This might mean catching up with your best girlfriends on the phone, watching a new show on Netflix, or having Grandma watch the baby so you and your honey can go on a date.
- Do Something to Feel Beautiful
Pregnancy and childbirth can wreak havoc on your self image. Now is the time to do things that make you feel like the beautiful mama you are. Getting a manicure, new highlights, a customized facial, or trying another new beauty service you’ve been wanting to check out will boost your self esteem.There is no reason to feel guilty about making yourself a priority. After all, you just carried a baby for nine whole months: you deserve it!