Guest Blog: Post Natal Care in the first year: a 9 step guide for new mums - The Nesting Mum

by Carrie Kissell-Myatt


“You can't pour from an empty glass- look after yourself first

This is one of my favorite sayings. Unless you have correctly fuelled yourself, your body and your mind, how can you give your best to look after a new baby?

Somewhere, sometimes in between all the nappy changes, new noises and cute outfits, we can forget ourselves. Forget the person we used to be, the person we still are. It isn't ideal and it doesn't feel great. It is so important to look after yourself as a new mum. Post Natal Depression affects 1/7 new mums, yes it is caused by a chemical reaction in the body, but making time to look after yourself has a wonderful flow on effect.

I have written a list of 9 things you can implement in the first year post baby to help keep you feeling positive and happy.

What would you add to the list?

1. Take at least 30 minutes every day by yourself - shower, call a friend, read a book, walk, make jewelry - whatever works for you.

2. Exercise - choose a regular consistent exercise plan that suits you and stick to it- you will feel better for it and as your babies grow older, you will be setting a good example. Obviously, starting back exercising after baby is individual for each person depending on their previous exercise/health. Make sure you and your midwife/doctor both agree that you are right to start back exercising and at what intensity.

3. Eat real food - eek such a hard one with a new babe. But make a plan, get a good structure in place for buying groceries and cooking - ask family and friends to cook for you if need.

4. Date night- make a realistic plan to keep a date night with your partner (ie once the baby is old enough to be left with a babysitter), once appropriate. Maybe once a week or once a fortnight but it will be good for your relationship and something to look forward to.

5. Keep your interests - you are going to be busy and tired but you are still your own person with your own hobbies and likes - and these are something you can pass onto your kids one day!

6. Ask for help - if you are feeling overwhelmed, ask a friend or family member to hold the baby for 30 mins so you can shower or nap or whatever it takes...

7. Get a cleaner - sure it is a little idealistic but if you can afford it, just having those little jobs taken care of can help a lot.

8. Adjust your sails - your routines of how often you clean the house or how often you get your hair done may have to change. You won't have as much time for these things and that is ok. The new norm is just as good

9. Understand things may change with your friendships - sometimes it's hard to understand what it's like with a new baby, that you may not have as much time, energy etc. be patient as your new friendship with your old friends evolves.

Ok, bonus one: Join a mother's group! Not everyone's cup of tea, but find the right one and you have struck gold! Someone who isn't your husband/partner, parents, siblings etc can be a great sounding board for any baby questions, issues or just to lend an ear when you need to get something off your chest.

 

Guest Blog by the Fabulous Nesting Mum ❤️

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