Here’s an unfortunate truth: Many new moms finally have their bundle of joy in their arms…but they’re not feeling much joy at all.
Whether it’s related to post-partum depression or simply because you’re facing something new and getting very little sleep, it can be very overwhelming. It can even affect mental and physical well-being.
Now, why are people telling you to find a personal trainer Frankston women can trust with their personal fitness goals? Is there truth in people suggesting you see a therapist, or are they overreacting?
Based on expert advice, we’ve compiled a list of guidelines that can help you as a new mom regain some control and balance while on this new adventure.
Pick the Right Physical Exercise
Getting fit shouldn’t necessarily be a main priority, because you’ll need your energy to look after your baby at all times of the day. However, staying active has many benefits, from mood-enhancing serotonin release to maintaining a healthy weight.
However, don’t let exercise add yet another burden to your day. Find exercise routines that work for you. For some moms, this will be joining a gym Frankston women frequent, so they can engage with others instead of just doing baby-talk all day.
Other moms may prefer a walk outside with the baby in the stroller or exercising in private while following a YouTube tutorial.
What will help you relieve tension and get endorphins going?
Monitor Your Mental Health
Be honest with yourself and your family members about how you’re feeling, so you can identify anxiety or depression and treat it early on.
Being proactive in maintaining a healthy mindset and mood will prevent a mental health challenge from escalating and getting the better of you. This is good news for you, but also means you can continue giving your child the best possible care.
Get Help for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be challenging for many new moms, from struggling to get babies to latch properly, to experiencing immense pain.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed if you’re finding it difficult because many women feel exactly the way you do. Ask help from professional lactation consultants, so you can get to enjoying motherhood more.
Drink LOTS of Water
For breastfeeding as well as personal well-being, make sure to include lots of water in your daily diet.
It can often have a direct impact on how much milk your body can produce and in general it will help your body sustain the rigours of your new routine.
Handy tip: find a water bottle that’s easy to drink from even when lying in bed. Whether you’re in hospital after the birth or at home with the baby asleep and snuggling on your chest, you’ll be able to quench your thirst.
Take Time for Self-care (Even if It’s Minimal)
We’re mentioning activities that can take a lot of time—you may be wondering where you’re supposed to fit self-care into your day between changing diapers and feeding a newborn. You’re justified in thinking there’s no way it can happen.
Experts’ advice: Even a little goes a long way, so it’s worth planning self-care moments.
Take just 30 minutes for yourself while a family member holds your baby. Talk to a friend on the phone so you feel less isolated. Or, walk in the park if your new role as a mother is keeping you from activities you previously enjoyed like jogging or mountain biking.
Many new moms feel a loss of identity while they get used to their new role. Finding small ways of staying connected to your lifestyle will help you ease into the demands and new responsibilities.
Sleep Whenever You Can
In the moments when Baby sleeps, new moms may be tempted to binge Netflix series or read all their books on Motherhood. Do what makes you feel good but also prioritize sleep, because you’ll be up with the little one on many nights.
Many people don’t realize the effects of broken sleep until one day they simply feel exhausted.
Rather give yourself the best possible chance of maintaining good energy levels by making proper rest part of every day.
Have Enough (Not Too Much) Information on Infant Health
Support groups and online forums are helpful to learn about a topic you don’t yet know much about. However, don’t join too many groups because you will get conflicting advice and this can be disconcerting.
Rather research which group in your community or online is most relevant to you and your parenting goals. Use them as references so you don’t get confused and anxious because of having too much input.
Final Tip: One Thing at a Time
Reading through this list, you may identify how your life can be enriched with a few new habits. Be careful though, because taking on too much at once can simply add to your sense of being overwhelmed.
Aim to implement one thing at a time and see what works for you as an individual. Every mom is different!
The bottom line is this: look after yourself, so you can look after your precious baby.
