From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, you start noticing a change in yourself. You immediately begin making lifestyle changes that will benefit your baby. For example, if you love your morning coffee, you’ll probably switch to decaf. If one of your favorite things to do is have a nice relaxing bubble bath at the end of the day, you’ll be switching to showers for the next nine months.
As a mother, this is what we do. We put ourselves last to make sure everyone else is taken care of. Many mothers believe that if they take time for themselves during the day, they are selfish. Not practicing self-care is one of the worst things you can do for your family. You may become exhausted mentally and physically, and you can’t take care of others in that shape.
Below is a simple guide for all of you new moms on how you can nurture yourself. Even the most minor changes can make the most significant impact. Some of the tips don’t even require you to leave the house.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Many mothers, after delivery, are eager to get back their pre-pregnancy body and do this in unhealthy ways. Your body just went through nine months of pregnancy to create a new life and then brought him into the world. You need to allow your body time to heal after all it went through. The best way to do this is to allow yourself to relax and eat healthy food.
One of the last things you want to do after having a baby is going out grocery shopping. With many grocery stores now offering delivery, you can order your groceries online and have them shipped directly to your house. Another thing most stores are offering is you can go online, put in what you need, and then the employees will get them together for you. Once it’s all done, you simply have someone pick them up for you.
If you don’t feel like cooking, ask your significant other to take over cooking for a while. You can also ask a friend over for a meal that the two of you can cook together. Whatever you choose, make sure your meals are full of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Keep Your Doctor Appointments
You may not consider a doctor’s appointment part of performing self-care, but in reality, it is. The postpartum visit, while important, should not be your last visit. You need to keep up on your yearly well-checks and make sure to report any changes to your doctor.
A postpartum checkup is how your gynecologist will know how well you’re recovering. Let them know about any changes you may experience, and they will do a thorough evaluation of your mental and physical health. If you have any questions, this is an excellent time to ask them. Make a list before your appointment, so you don’t forget.
Many gynecologists recommend having a postpartum checkup at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after pregnancy. The physician will do a complete pelvic exam at each visit, including a pap smear and breast check. This will alert them to any changes that have occurred since your last visit. If they notice changes, you can expect a few questions about how you’ve been feeling.
It is also essential to make sure you ask for cancer screenings. This is especially true if anyone in your family has been diagnosed. Some types of cancer, like ovarian cancer, show few symptoms, so your best bet is to catch it early. Women all over are now getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer from the use of talcum powder, failure to get regular screenings, and other possible causes.
Be Kind To Yourself
So many new mothers expect to be perfect right off the bat. The most important thing you need to remember about this remarkable change is there’s no such thing as perfection. Many times people scroll through social media and see all the pictures of happy families. Remember, you do not see reality; you only see part of the picture.
Understand that there will be times you feel sad, angry, and even have days where you’re full of negativity. It’s normal to have those feelings. Take a break if you can, and take a walk, hot bath, or anything that helps you feel better.
There’s a saying that goes, “parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever love,” and it’s true. As a new mother, you are going through one of the most significant life changes you’ll ever have. Realize that like any change it’s going to take time to adjust physically and mentally. Taking time for self-care is not only essential for yourself but for your family too.
