10 Ways to “Self Care” after having a Newborn
As a mom of three I’ve had my fair share of stressful experiences as a mother of a newborn! So, I’ve decided to make a list of my favorite tips that I wish someone would have shared with me during the first months, and even years, after having a newborn. I have to say that as a newborn photographer it’s more than just the pictures… I love having meaningful conversations with my clients and getting to know them as people. That’s why I wanted to open up to new moms and share some advice I’ve gathered over the years.
1. Go Outside!
When you are starting to become overwhelmed by everything in the home, try a change of scenery, go outside and breathe. I loved taking walks with my newborns in their stroller. A calm nature walk or intense run was always a beneficial way for me to clear my mind and return back to my family with a burst of energy.
2. Differentiate Weekdays from Weekends
As the days begin to bleed together, I like setting up some event for the weekend as something to look forward to. This can be a bath while sipping wine, a shopping trip with your mom/friend, or inviting a friend over for the best cheese board ever! It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as it serves as motivation to get through the week!
3. Find a Valuable Insight
As a new mom, especially for my first born, I needed all the guidance I could get about caring for newborn baby! I believe it’s so important to find a community of young mothers to talk with, ask questions and grow together. I attended a MOPS group and a La Leche League in the South Hills. Another idea is to hear tips from great podcasts.
Some top recs for podcasts are:
- Shagged, Married, Annoyed
- Happy Mum, Happy Baby
- Fearne Cotton Happy Place
- Wisdom for Working Moms
- The Motherkind
- Happy Place
- Table Manners
- The High Low
- Made by Mammas
- Open Mind
4. Be Mindful of Your Social Media Intake
Don’t let social media steal your joy! Be weary of which accounts you follow and how you feel after experiencing each account’s content. Starting to feel drained or despaired? Click UNFOLLOW. Surround yourself and your family with uplifting content and influencers that impact your life for the better.
5. Keep a Journal
This is a unique time in your life and while you think you’ll remember everything now… you won’t! Take the time to document small moments of joy you experience with your newborn and family every day. While journaling daily might be an unrealistic goal, be sure to make it a priority to write down the moments you will want to remember of your newborn for years to come. A few months ago, while decluttering our garage during quarantine, my daughter and I enjoyed reading from her baby book. I couldn’t remember what her first word was, until we read, first word, “dada” at 5 1/2 months. (I’m guessing mama was probably her second word on the same day! lol!)
6. Virtual Night Out
My daughter Ella loves video calls with her close friend on Messenger Kids and I’ve been thankful for her having an outlet for energy other than what seems like mess-making! I recently attended a Zoom jewelry party and it was so relaxing to take the night to laugh with good friends. Regardless of how this translates for you and your family, I definitely recommend taking advantage of all the technology at our finger tips and engaging with your friends virtually. You’ll thank me later 🙂
7. Look for the Bright-Side
My family has taken advantage of this time to build our own patio! (Our neighbors might call it a work in progress) but it’s been a great way to spend our time productively while saving money! (Look out for a blog post detailing our project)! Additionally, we’ve been having many cooking/baking competitions. From Tredlnik cakes to Moroccan food, we’ve been expanding our culinary skills! So, take some time with your newborn and family and create some new traditions together.
8. Make Time to Connect with Your Husband
Don’t forget to invest time in your relationship with him and take care of yourselves in this often hectic time with your newborn. Now this can be as small as a short letter or an elaborate date night where you call in the sitter and make a trip to your favorite restaurant! Whichever you choose, it’s the thought that counts. (It may be cliche but we all know it’s true).
9. Be Kind
Be kind to yourself and those around you.. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of motherhood, but don’t forget to make purposeful steps toward random acts of kindness. It’s often when we take time for others and stop thinking about our own situation that we find the most joy. So, surround yourself with love and good things, and you’ll be able to project that positivity onto your newborn and family.
10. Be Patient
This season of life looks different for everyone so don’t be hard on yourself if it isn’t panning out how you planned. Cherish the small moments with your newborn because believe me when I say, blink and they’ll be gone! So, here is my little reminder to stay patient with yourself and your family and you’ll start noticing the joy of everyday, small moments.
I hope these 10 tips for self care help you be the best mom you can be! Be sure to comment any helpful tips you’ve discovered, I’d love to hear them.
