10 Postpartum Self-Care Ideas
Parents often put their needs last after their family members and family responsibilities. We may have heard “you can’t pour from an empty cup”, “put on your oxygen mask first”, etc., but it seems nearly impossible when we are in the thick of parenting a newborn.
MomsBloom wants to remind you that YOU are important - you can do this and we are here to help you! If you would like help finding time for self-care, sign up for services so a volunteer can step in for a few hours each week to take care of the rest!
Give yourself grace: Parenting is challenging and none of us can keep up on all of the responsibilities that comes with a family and household. You are doing a GREAT job.
Check-in with yourself weekly: Set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself once per week to see how you are doing. How are you feeling? Really, how are you actually feeling? What do you need right now and what might you need to go through this next week? Take time to do a quick postpartum screening.
Create your postpartum plan: Talk with your spouse, family, and friends about how they can help you get time for self-care. Having a plan before you bring home your baby may help create a plan that allows you to have time for yourself.
Your community is here for you: Do you attend a local church? Want a MomsBloom volunteer? Or, are you connected to a network within your community? Your community is here to support you and we are happy to help with housework tasks, sibling care and give you time for self-care.
Find a calm space at home: It may be a small nook in your home, the bathroom, your closet, or the basement. Have your favorite things there such as a smelly candle, a book, inspiring quotes, religious items, etc and try to spend at least 5 minutes a day in your space.
Stay in touch with your favorite hobby: Caring for a baby and your family can mean less time for yourself and your interests. Try to carve out time to stay connected with activities that you enjoy - you may be able to bring your baby or family along! Take a walk with your newborn, knit while baby is sleeping, listen and dance to music while your baby watches, pray or meditate before bed, or other things you enjoy.
Don’t underestimate the power of a bath or shower: Having 20-30 minutes of warm, uninterrupted time to yourself can calm your brain and body and it may just be the reset that you need to keep going through your day.
Venture out of the house: A simple walk (with or without baby) can give your body the movement and sunshine that it is looking for. Scheduling time with friends or family out of the house can help give you and baby time out of the house while giving you an extra set of hands to care for baby and give your arms a break.
Take care of your body: Staying hydrating, eating well and staying active will keep your brain and body healthy and can help prevent or fight against perinatal mood disorders. Have your support people prepare healthy meals, go on walks with you, and help fill up your water bottles. If you can plan one day per week where you sleep in while a friend or family takes care of the rest, make this a priority!
Give yourself grace: Have we said this yet? The cleanliness of your home, the amount of dirty or clean laundry, and the ability to look “put together” does not define you as a parent or a person. Keep up the amazing work to take care or and love yourself and your family.