Motherhood is a high calling and oftentimes, a juggling act. One has to juggle time and duty between her children, marriage, work (whether professional or domestic work) and her own me-time. As a mom of 2, here are some tips I have for new moms:
-
Time Management and Prioritization
- Create a Flexible Schedule: While a rigid schedule can be challenging with a newborn, having a flexible routine can help create a sense of normalcy. Prioritize tasks and activities that are most important and try to tackle them when the baby is napping.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make them less daunting.
-
Self-Care and Personal Time
- Set Aside “Me Time”: It’s crucial for new mothers to carve out time for themselves each day, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes. This can be used for activities they enjoy, such as reading or practicing a hobby. This could also be used for doing something relaxing for oneself, like listening to music or using items from our RELAX Kit for a quick self-care moment.
- Get Moving and Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and thus helpful for reducing stress. Start with gentle postpartum exercises, such as walking, yoga, or stretching, before moving back to your regular training regimes, if any.
-
Building a Support Network
- Reach Out for Help: If you don’t have any live-in helper, don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends. They can assist with household chores, babysitting, or providing emotional support.
- Join Support Groups: Connecting with other new mothers through local or online support groups like the Pregnant and Popped Village can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly comforting.
-
Finding Joy in the Small Moments and Remaining Positive
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small accomplishments each day, whether it’s successfully soothing the baby or getting a few hours of sleep.
- Daily Reflections: Keep a journal to note down positive experiences and moments of joy each day. Reflecting on these can boost mood and provide perspective. It’s helpful to focus on the present and remind yourself of your strengths and love for your child. The Getting To Happy New Moms card set can be a good start for daily affirmations and reflections.
-
Bonding with the Baby
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: This not only benefits the baby but also promotes the release of oxytocin in the mother, helping to reduce stress and strengthen the bond.
- Interactive Play: Engage in simple, interactive play activities with the baby. Singing, talking, and making eye contact can be joyful and fulfilling for both mother and baby.
-
Professional Support
- Therapy and Counseling: If stress and anxiety become overwhelming, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial. They can provide strategies and support tailored to individual needs.
- Postpartum Resources: Utilize postpartum resources such as lactation consultants, parenting classes, and mental health hotlines for additional support and guidance.
By implementing these strategies, new mothers can better manage stress and find moments of joy amidst the challenges of motherhood. Remember, it’s essential to be kind to oneself and recognize that adjusting to a new role takes time.