One of the new-mom traps we tend to fall into is not taking time to take care of ourselves. From simple things like taking a shower, to big things like not giving yourself time to pursue your own interests. Here are some tips on how to remember to take care of yourself even when life is a little bit crazy.
1. Take Time to Shower
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Pick a time of day when your little one is generally content. Bring the baby’s swing, bouncer, or exersaucer into the bathroom, or place it just outside the open door. If baby starts to fuss, sing a silly song or play peek-a-boo with the shower curtain. You may have to rush a bit, but you’ll still feel better if you’re clean.
2. Dress Your Best
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Don’t keep wearing maternity clothes or stretch pants if you haven’t lost the baby weight. Even if you’re planning on losing weight, there are big box stores where you can find inexpensive jeans and shirts in your current size. Looking good is part of feeling good.
3. Get Measured
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Up to 80% of us are wearing the wrong bra size. Pregnancy and post-birth hormones have made changes to your body you might not be fully aware of. Getting measured only takes a minute, and a great bra is always a good buy.
4. Get Beautified
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Take time to fix your hair. Be brave and get a new low-maintenance hairstyle so that you can avoid the mom ponytail. Postpartum hair loss can be an issue for many new moms—when you start shedding, go to the salon and get a cute new cut.
5. Dont' Stop Being You
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You had a life before baby, hold on to your life after baby. Of course you won’t have as much time to dedicate to your interests, but take an hour or two a week. Your partner can take over, or you can find a sitter or friend to watch the baby for a little bit. You need time to recharge your batteries and to remember who you are.
6. Get Support
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Find a support system—family, friends, or a local teen who can act as a mother’s helper. You need time to take care of things like laundry, cleaning, gardening, or exercising. You also need people in your life who you can rely on in case of an emergency. Familiarizing yourself and baby with somebody now will make it easier if it ever comes down to really needing help.
7. Stay Hydrated
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We’re 70% water, so don’t slack on keeping up with your hydration. If you’re breastfeeding it is especially important to watch your fluid intake. Even if you’re not nursing, water is necessary to help maintain skin flexibility and joint protection.
8. Eat Good Food
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Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Fast food is easy but it’s not a substitute for real food. It takes less time to wash an apple than it does to order a donut and a coffee, and it’s much better for you, too.
9. Take a Time-Out
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Don’t be afraid to let baby cry alone for a few minutes. If you feel your blood pressure rising and you start to wonder why you thought being a mom sounded like a good idea, put baby in his crib, close the door, and take a 5-minute break. You need to stay sane, and a few minutes of crying alone won’t hurt anybody’s development.
10. Go Easy on Yourself
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Motherhood is a big adjustment. You spent your entire life only having to take care of your own needs, and that’s gone now. Coming to terms with the fact that you’re no longer numero uno can be a blow to the ego and can cause bumps along the way. Nobody starts out as the perfect mom--forgive yourself for not being perfect. Your baby loves you the way you are--you should too.