When you’re a new parent it’s hard to remember your own self-care. For the first few weeks it’s a blur of night feeds, nappies and general exhaustion. When it comes to maternal mental health it’s important to take some time out to look after yourself. I personally felt like I wasn’t myself those first few weeks. It’s difficult when you’ve got a newborn so dependent on you to even consider taking time out to yourself but if you’ve got help available, embrace it. Whenever I did get around to doing something for myself even something as basic as doing my hair I felt like a new woman!
Here are a few self care tips to help new mums feel a little more like themselves.
Look At Your Diet
It’s easy to slip into bad habits, both during pregnancy and the early days with a newborn. However you may find your diet is one of the reasons for not feeling yourself. Changing your diet and moving towards a more plant based lifestyle could improve your health and give you a much needed energy boost. You might want to consider nutritional testing to help adjust your eating habits. Nutritional testing gives you the opportunity to find out if you have any vitamin deficiencies. This means you’ll know how to adapt your new diet and lifestyle to ensure you have the nutrients you may be missing out on.
Don’t Worry If You Lose Hair
My hair looked its best when I was pregnant. It was thick and glossy and was definitely a pregnancy perk. A couple of weeks after giving birth though, I noticed I was losing hair every time I washed or brushed it. I don’t mean the odd strand or two, I was losing it in clumps! After an initial panic, I read that it was hormonal and completely normal. Plus it does grow back, so don’t worry! If you’re finding your hair is looking a little lacklustre and you’re wanting to feel a bit more glam, you could consider affordable human hair wigs. They’re so convenient to use and they look amazing!
Talk To Your Friends
Being a new mum can feel like quite an isolating time. It’s so important to keep in touch with friends and family to help you navigate the early days. I found my fellow mum friends to be an absolute lifeline to me when I was struggling. It’s so reassuring to know you have people in your corner, who have been there and know how you are feeling. Avoid judgemental mothers, and surround yourself with likeminded people. It can make a huge difference to your mental health.
Make time for yourself
Don’t feel guilty for having an hour or so to yourself. Ask your partner, parent or friend to mind the baby and do whatever it is that makes you feel more YOU. A long soak in the bath, a quick trip to the salon or even just the time to curl up with a book. After all a happy parent is a happy baby!
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