Becoming a parent is both exciting and challenging. You spend so much time and energy caring for your baby, adjusting to a new routine, and figuring out a new way of life. It can be stressful. It’s so easy to forget, but you have to take care of yourself to take care of your baby. Here are ten self-care ideas to help you recharge and feel your best.

Prioritize Sleep

Imagine a mother struggling to balance nursing and sleep. An overnight doula takes the baby after a late-night feeding, tells her to go to bed, and handles late-night wake-ups, feeding, and diaper changes. The next morning, mom wakes up well-rested and ready for the day! That’s what we want for you. You deserve it.

It might seem impossible to get enough sleep while your baby is on their own schedule and waking up several times, but you can’t forget how important sleep is for your physical and mental health. To get better sleep, make sure it’s dark and use white noise. Try to get some sleep whenever you’re able to. Nap when your baby naps, even if it means leaving dirty dishes in the sink or clothes unfolded. Don’t hesitate to accept help when it means getting extra sleep. 

Go For A Walk

Going for a walk outside offers multiple benefits. It’s a gentle exercise that shouldn’t be too hard on your body if you’re still recovering. Getting fresh air and a change of scenery will help clear your mind and relax. Plus, you can walk alone, with your partner, or with a friend. It’s completely okay to leave your baby with a friend or a doula while you take a twenty-minute walk around the neighborhood. That fresh air and sunshine can make all the difference, leaving you feeling lighter and refreshed.

Write

Writing about your day and your feelings can be a therapeutic way to process everything you're going through. Whether writing about your day or keeping a gratitude journal, this provides a healthy outlet for all your emotions. Dedicate a few minutes each day to journaling, even if it’s just writing one sentence about how you feel. Think of it as pouring all your worries out onto paper. Those thoughts are no longer racing through your mind, and you may find some unexpected clarity.

Pamper Yourself

Taking time to pamper yourself can make you feel completely refreshed. This could be a long bath, a face mask, or a whole spa day. We always encourage moms we work with to take advantage of the time we’re in their homes. While we’re taking care of their baby, they can take care of themselves.

Treating yourself in this way can boost your mood and relieve stress, making it a little easier to navigate the demands of motherhood. As a bonus, you may also find yourself feeling more confident and positive. You’ll be ready for 

Eat Nourishing Foods

It’s easy to forget to eat well when you’re busy taking care of a newborn, but nourishing your body with healthy meals is an essential part of self-care. Consider meal prepping or asking a family member to help with meals to make it easier. Keep easy snacks around, like fruits and nuts, to grab quickly and keep your energy up throughout the day.

As postpartum doulas, one way we support families is by making sure they’re all well-fed and nourished. We’re happy to help you come up with a meal plan and even assist in meal prep. The best part is that we clean up after ourselves, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a messy kitchen.

Connect with Other Moms

Connecting with other new moms through social media, local groups, or playdates can give you a sense of community and shared understanding. You’ll remember you’re not alone in your journey. Surround yourself with a group of friends who talk to each other, give advice, and support each other.

If this is something you’re interested in, we can provide resources to help you connect with other parents. We want you to know that you’re not alone and you have support.

Do Something Creative

Engaging in a creative activity, whether it’s crafting, painting, or even cooking, can be a great way to relax and express yourself. A creative outlet will help relieve stress and give you a sense of accomplishment. Even if it’s a small project you work on every few days, having something to focus on besides parenting allows you to reconnect with your interests and passions, helping you feel more fulfilled.

Practice Mindfulness

The great thing about practicing mindfulness is that it can look different for everyone. Maybe you enjoy meditation. There are plenty of apps and guided meditations online that will help you clear your mind and feel more grounded. Perhaps you prefer to take a long bath with Epsom salts to unwind at the end of the day. Regardless of what this looks like for you, taking time to reflect and destress might be just what you need. 

Watch A Movie

Sitting in front of a screen may not sound like self-care, but watching a movie you love requires no effort and can change your mood. It provides the perfect opportunity to tune out the rest of the world and relax. Make it even better by eating your favorite snacks and curling up in a cozy blanket. Simply enjoy this well-deserved break. The best time to do this is while your doula is there to take care of everything else. You can enjoy your time with no interruptions!

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Postpartum depression and anxiety are more common than people realize, and talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and coping strategies. They can help you navigate the challenges you deal with every day and provide tools to help you feel like yourself again. Seeking help can make a world of difference for your physical and mental health and help you be the best parent–and person–you can be. A postpartum doula can help with this as well. We want to help you get the best care possible, and we have resources available. 

FAQ

How can I find time for self-care when I’m constantly caring for my baby?

Try creating a simple self-care routine that fits into your daily schedule. For example, maybe you can meditate or bathe while your baby naps. Try to integrate self-care into your daily routine in small, manageable ways.

What if I’m struggling to stick to a self-care routine?

This is normal. Start small, set realistic goals, and adjust your routine as needed. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, the effort you make is what counts. Celebrate small successes and stay flexible.

Self-care isn’t selfish, and it’s so important. By taking the time to care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood and enjoy your time with your new baby. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed. You deserve to be healthy and happy, and your baby will benefit from having a well-cared-for mom.

Are you looking for some extra support? We’ve got you covered! Reach out today to find out how we can help meet your needs.