After having a baby, it can easily feel like you haven’t had time for yourself in weeks, or has it been months? But, it’s all worth it though, isn’t it? Of course, it is, but that doesn’t mean that new moms should shy away from trying to spend time on their self.
We get it, that new baby needs you, but when you’re drained and feeling friendless, you probably aren’t the mom you want to be.
Here are five tips to keep your spirits up, and trust us, it’s okay to take care of both yourself and the baby.
How to Make Time for Yourself as a New Mom
Tip 1: Find time to sleep
Sleep comes at a premium when you are a new mom and unfortunately, it’s estimated that new parents will lose one to two hours of sleep each night until your child is about six years old. Still, while sleep may be difficult there are a few things you can do to try and catch some zees.
Sleep when the baby sleeps: Your baby may still be sleeping in two-hour increments, but within a couple months that all changes. Try to get your sleep when the opportunity presents itself. If that means skipping the dishes tonight, then skip them and get some sleep.
Accept help from friends: People will come out of the woodwork to lend a hand – ahem, play with the baby – and that is okay. Accept the time and take a nap, or at least let them clean your house.
Work out a schedule with your partner: Work with your partner to develop a feeding schedule so that at least one of you is getting decent rest at night.
Tip 2: Stay connected with friends
Babies take up a lot of time, so it is natural that you will lose contact with your friends. But, for sanity and to escape loneliness it is important to try and rekindle those lost few weeks or months.
Whether you go out for brunch, host a play date, or ask your parents to take the grandchild for the afternoon so you can hang out with your friends, this is okay. Your baby will be fine for the couple hours you replenish your sanity.
Tip 3: Use a front-facing carrier
There are so many baby books out there and they all seem to miss a tip or two. After a couple weeks of carrying your baby around you’ll be glad you had this tip. A front facing carrier will not only give your arms time to relax, but you will also be able to do things, you know, like pick up the remote or make yourself a sandwich.
Tip 4: Join an exercise class
After taking care of your baby day and night the last thing you might want to do is exercise. But there is a lot of value in this tip. Exercise will provide you with an extra boost of energy and have you feeling good about yourself when you leave the gym. Exercise also boosts hormones that make you feel happier and more positive.
Tip 5: Go on a date
Yes, a new baby can burn the romance in your relationship. But, sometimes just getting out with your partner and enjoying the time alone is enough to help you both realize that everything is going to be okay.
Conclusion
Making time for yourself with a newborn can be challenging. But, as much enjoyment you find with that little bundle of joy, you also need to put time aside for yourself so that you can be your best when that little munchkin just wants to lay in your arms and cuddle.
If you found this post helpful. Make sure to save this pin to your Mom Life board or First Time Mom Tips board.
