A mother is the most selfless person in this world. They prioritize everyone else and ensure everything goes smoothly before attending to their own needs. Even when everything falls apart at the seams, they tend to put on a brave facade.
While all mothers know the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Yet, only some consider this to heart, and a few carve out time to look after themselves.
Time is precious for first-time moms; it often feels like there’s never enough of it. Even though every pregnant woman plans for a smooth delivery, she is deprived of self-care time and energy as soon as the baby arrives. However, it’s important to remember that mental, physical, and emotional health is crucial regardless of circumstances.
Anxiety, postpartum depression, and long-term stress can take a massive toll on your well-being and leave you more weary than usual. Furthermore, it also influences the way you care for your newborn.
Thus, to enhance your sense of well-being, consider the following suggestions:
Seek professional treatment
Most moms experience postpartum depression after giving birth to a newborn. Some signs and symptoms of depression may include intense anger, severe mood swings, loss of appetite, and excessive crying. All the more so if your child has been subject to birth injury such as Erb’s palsy, where medical malpractice led to your child’s disabilities.
In this case, new moms may feel wretched and grow weary of regular hobbies. So, it’s crucial to seek professional treatment, for instance, undergoing cognitive and supportive therapies and following the self-care plan to regain health.
And while medical treatment is critical, it’s equally crucial to take legal action on behalf of your child. Don’t suffer in silence and get in touch with an Erb’s palsy lawyer to get the financial compensation you deserve. This way, you can afford expensive medical treatments for your child and overcome mental and emotional suffering.
Set aside time to unwind
It might feel enticing to catch up on work responsibilities and household chores after the baby sleeps. But first, set aside some time for self-care activities to regain your health and reclaim your day.
You don’t need to spend long hours at spa centers for holistic wellness. A warm nightly bath can make you feel rejuvenated. Additionally, you can read a novel, work on your garden, or spend time with your pets.
Engaging in these rituals helps stimulate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation changes, which, in turn, can help fight symptoms of stress and anxiety. You can also give a whirl to other creative ways for reflection time, such as practicing mindfulness or gratitude.
Ask for support
As a new mother, looking after yourself and your child is critical. Yet, at times, it’s not that we can’t seem to squeeze in time for self-care; instead, we often think it isn’t that necessary.
It’s imperative to keep in mind that taking care of yourself is anything but selfish. Whichever actions you take for your mental and physical well-being eventually yield positive results for your baby’s wellness.
You can seek support from friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues. Ask your circle if you can babysit your child. You can also ask a family member to watch over the baby while you keep up your fitness goals. Similarly, a relative or close friend might be able to help you out with other tasks, like fetching some baby essentials from the grocery or walking your dog for you.
Social support can go a long way in ensuring your health. Having someone who listens to you and understands your journey is great. You can also join baby fitness classes to exercise with your child, build a support network, and spend time together.
Feed yourself
Throughout the pregnancy, you might have heard the words “eating for two,” but what about the postpartum period? While it’s vital to feed your baby, don’t get too engrossed in the feeding schedule that you overlook your health.
As a new mother, your body needs a daily intake of nutrients and calories. Failing to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet can spell detrimental impacts on your health and may cause metabolism issues in the long run. Therefore, make antioxidant-rich food, green veggies, lean proteins, and food rich in zinc and magnesium a part of your meal. It boosts your immunity. You can also store fiber-rich and crunchy vegetables like capsicums, carrots, and pretzels in containers as go-to snacks.
Despite wanting to regain your pre-baby figure, be gentle with your body. Try to eat wholesome food and fill the bottle with fresh water to flush out harmful toxins and keep yourself hydrated.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, parenting is challenging. Feeling downcast, unhappy, and gloomy is normal, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on victories and things under your control.
A significant part of happiness lies in establishing realistic goals. Unfortunately, it’s easy to compare yourself to the postnatal pictures of others and feel pressured to look a certain way. However, as with pregnancy, the postpartum journey for every mom is unique.
Implement the tips discussed above to nurture healthy practices right after labor. As long as you stay fit, healthy, happy, and strong, you are precisely doing what is for you and your baby’s well-being.