Introduction
Being a new mum is tough; we won’t sugarcoat it. But you know what’s even harder? Being a new mum who has no idea how to care for herself. Your baby is hardly sleeping, crying at all hours of the day and night, and it feels like there’s no time left for you.
Here’s the reality: globally, about 13% of women who have just given birth experience challenges with their mental health, with the percentage being higher in developing countries.
So, how do you break the cycle? To practice self-care as a new mum, you have to make it a part of your daily routine without adding to your already-overwhelming list, and we’ve developed a simple step-by-step guide to help you with this.
But this isn’t your average guide. Think of it as a recommended “day in the life” routine for new mums, one that answers the question, “What do first time mums really need?” The plan is to teach you how to integrate self-care into the things you’re already doing. Let’s get into it, shall we?
1. Begin Your Day With Nourishment
Your day might begin in the morning or night, but whenever it does, ensure it begins with you nourishing every part of your body. Start with a glass of water for hydration, the actual basis of energy recovery.
Proceed to fix yourself a meal. From overnight oats to smoothies or toast, starting the day with an easy-to-fix yet nourishing meal gets you right. Another tip is meal-prepping. On the days when you have some free time, consider prepping your meals for the week and keeping them in the freezer.
Nourish your mind as well. Step outside for fresh air, take deep breaths, meditate, or read a book. Whatever it is that preps your mind for an active day, this is the time to do it. This is also the time to get your morning bath and skincare routine in before your baby wakes up fully. Opt for products that heal your postpartum skin, with butters and oils that give the sensation of luxury.
Consider this your preparation for the day. Now, it’s time to face all the day has in store for you.
2. Move Your Body
From the very minute your baby wakes up, you’re constantly moving. Consider it an opportunity to integrate exercise into your routine. Ways to do this include stroller walks and babywearing workouts.
Find scenic routes, and take your baby for a walk in the stroller, as fresh air actually benefits both of you. You can even have a friend join you to get some social interaction in.
If staying in is your preferred option, do some stretches, or even light yoga. The goal is not to get your body to “bounce back”, but to make it feel good. So, whether you’re engaging in hours of gentle movement while caring for your baby, or having a dedicated yoga session, the key is to enjoy the movement you’re getting.
3. Take A Break
While motherhood is a 24/7 job, you still deserve and need breaks. Taking short, intentional pauses throughout the day works wonders for your well-being. Even if it’s just a five-minute break, take time to step away from motherhood’s demands to just breathe.
Use this time to do something that relaxes you, such as listening to your favourite song or sitting in silence. These seemingly small moments help restore your energy.
If you have a support system, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. This can range from asking your partner, a friend, or a family member to assist you with some baby care activities so you can take well-deserved breaks.
4. Connect With Others
Motherhood can feel isolating at times, especially in the early days when your world literally revolves around your baby. That’s why you have to make a conscious effort to make time for self-care as a new mum by staying connected to others outside you and your baby's world. It’s essential for your mental well-being.
Mum groups are great for this, as they consist of others who have gone through or are going through experiences similar to yours. You get to ask questions, share your experience, and be surrounded, virtually or physically by people who truly understand what you’re dealing with.
If leaving the house or interacting with that many people sounds like too much of a task, you can also find small ways to connect with friends or family. A quick phone call with a friend or watching a movie with a family member after the baby sleeps strengthens your connections and support system.
5. Prioritise Rest
While we know that “sleep when the baby sleeps” is easier said than done, it’s one of the ways to prioritise your rest and practice self-care as a mum. Not getting enough sleep can make everything feel ten times harder, so finding little ways to get quality rest is important.
Rest isn’t just about sleep; it encompasses creating a relaxing environment for yourself, and one of the ways you can do this is by taking a restorative bath. After the activities of the day, give yourself a calming, spa-like moment with a relaxing bath soak that soothes your mind and body.
For the best start to your rest time, follow this with a bath tea infusion in some hot water. Bath teas are especially wonderful for irritated skin, so if you’re dealing with postpartum skin irritation, they’re perfect for you. All of these contribute to a more restful state and set the tone for better sleep.
Conclusion
Motherhood is demanding, but that doesn’t mean your self-care has to take a backseat. Finding little moments in the day to take care of yourself when you have a new-born makes all the difference, especially for your mental and emotional health. It’ll even help you care for your baby better, because a healthy mum is a better mum.
Before you go…
We appreciate the time you took to read this blog to the end. We hope you found it helpful. Please allow us to introduce ourselves quickly.
Pūre Baby & Mama is a brand that offers safe and effective skincare products for pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and their little ones. Explore our website or send us a DM for product recommendations.