Life Postpartum: A Guide to Practicing Self-care in Motherhood
Alright so I am a new mother. I am officially a part of the mama’s club. 9 weeks into the game with our beautiful baby boy, Apollo.
At first it was tough. From sleep deprivation to round-the-clock breastfeeding, I wondered if I’d ever have a life again. Then I realized this is my life.
I am a mother now.
I know some people reading this may be thinking, “Yeah, duh. That’s what motherhood is.”
However sometimes it doesn’t really settle in until you cross over to the other side, you know what I’m saying?
Research shows it can take a few months for a new mother to be fully confident and adjusted to her role as the “mother”.
So out the window went my former life routine of jumping on my laptop at 9 am, going to yoga and crossfit class whenever I wanted or making lunch dates with my friends.
My time was no longer mine. Including finding time for my usual self-care routine. As each day went on, I was wondering when I would get some “me” time.
Me time sometimes was simply a shower at night. Some days I barely made it outside for some air.
And now that we are 9 weeks into our new life together, I have started getting creative with what self-care is for me. Including the art of multi-tasking!
I know there are mamas out there who just crave some “me” time.
Who are wishing they have ten minutes to themselves to enjoy a poop in the bathroom. I got you.
Here are some tips on how to practice self-care in motherhood (from what has worked for me):
- Fuzzy socks: for real tho! I know, “Fuzzy socks? Really?”. But seriously. I wasn’t a fan of them until my labor & delivery. Now I LOVE THEM! They make my feet feel like I am walking on a cloud. Plus they are super warm and just a simple way to add some luxury to my life. You are on your feet a lot Mom, get yourself some fuzzy socks!
- Crack-of-dawn “you” time: I used to hear about how some Moms’ would write or put self-care time in at 4 am. I thought, “That’s never going to be me!”. And here I am writing this story at 6:43 am. I just put my little one down after a nursing session, practiced some yoga and now I am at my laptop. It really is the only time I get to enjoy some peace & quiet. Try it and let me know what you think!
- Prayer & Meditation: I don’t get nearly as much time to dedicate to this so a simple prayer in the mornings when I get up, “officially” get up can do wonders for my mood. Meditation can be a simple deep breath and an affirmation that you are a strong, powerful and amazing woman, Mama! You are the creator of this practice. Make it simple & sweet!
- Nature & exercise: This is huge for me! I make a commitment to do at least 10–15 minutes of actual movement and be outside a day. Sometimes this is a great feat for us especially with newborns. So give yourself some slack with the time but do commit to a walk, getting sunlight and taking your little one with you to enjoy it together!
- Baby wraps: Oh my gosh! I love baby wraps! It makes multi-tasking so much easier especially if I want to make something quick to eat. I just put my little one in his wrap and he sleeps while I get a bite in, go for a walk, clean up or anything else I need to get done to feel better. I am a huge fan of tools that will make my life easier + give me more time.
- Hydration: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water can relieve stress + nourish your body. Take care of it.
Our little ones need us to be on top of our game; mind, body and spirit. Do you, mama.
