Taking care of yourself in the early days of parenting can certainly be a challenge. Between the new routines, lack of sleep, and the whole new person to care for, it can be easy to forget about yourself!
While the early days of parenting might not allow you to go all-out and pamper yourself every day, taking a little time to care for your body and mind will be good for you and the tiny human in your life.
Hydrate: But Make it Fun
We all know staying hydrated is important for anyone, but sometimes it can be hard for new parents to remember! Try buying yourself a new water bottle to keep with you, or set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to drink throughout the day.
You can also throw a handful of cucumbers or fruits into a jug of water and keep it in the fridge to add a bit of flavor without resorting to sugary beverages.
Make Nourishment a Priority
While you are putting so much energy and time into making sure your new baby is fed, remember that a well-fed parent will be a happier, more patient parent! Ask a friend to set up a meal train, keep a stash of nutritious snacks on hand, and be sure to make extra when you do have time to prepare a meal. Your future, hungrier self will thank you for the leftovers!
Take the Shower. Really. It’s okay.
One of the things new parents seem to skip a lot are nice, hot showers. Whether it’s a fear of leaving your baby alone or simply forgetting because you’re so tired, it often gets put on hold!
A hot shower, especially when you can take even a few minutes to relax and breathe deeply, can help calm your body and mind. Set your baby in a safe place, set a timer for 10 minutes, and just do it.
Splurge on One Thing for Yourself
Getting new, cute things for you baby is all part of the fun when you become a new parent! But don’t forget to spoil yourself a little too. Even if it’s just one small thing to make your life more enjoyable during this time, make it a priority to treat yourself.
If you can’t do all of these things, don’t worry. The last thing you need to do is add stress to your already full plate. Simply pick one or two that seem doable for now. Eventually, you will be able to focus more time on self-care again.
A healthy, stable parent and a clean, fed baby are the top priorities during the early postpartum days. Prioritize those things and add in the rest as you can. And remember, never hesitate to reach out to your support network if you need to. Being a new parent is tough. It’s okay to ask for help!
