Self-Care Tips for Newly Nursing Moms
Having a new baby means that your attention will be focused 99.9% of the time on what’s best for them. But in the moments of clarity that you remember yourself, it pays to prioritize self-care. Here are some easy-to-follow tips on how to take care of yourself, too.
Prepare ahead of time.
If you have yet to usher in the arrival of your bundle of joy, make the most of your time now. Do things that will make your life easier, such as finding housekeeping services and stocking the pantry. Here’s a comprehensive guide on postpartum prep so you’ll be more than ready for arrival.
Create coziness.
Nothing’s cozier than having your baby in your arms. But there are a few items you can get for yourself that will maximize snuggle time. Get yourself nursing shirts, which are also useful if you plan to pump. Stretchy and comfortable leggings, yoga pants, and non-slip socks are also great pieces of clothing to have handy. A breastfeeding pillow and lots of comfortable blankets are other great items to keep nearby when you’re nursing.
Stay hydrated.
Many people struggle to drink enough water, even with a kid-free routine. However, hydration is crucial to your health, and even more so when breastfeeding. As Ameda Direct explains, nursing moms need to consume between one-half and three-quarters of an ounce of water for each pound of body weight to produce enough breast milk and maintain optimal health. The best way to make sure that you have access to water all the time is to keep a water bottle handy in all areas where you sit with the baby — next to your nursing chair, near the couch, on the bedside table, and more.
Know your nutritional needs.
Your nutritional needs change throughout life. This holds true when you are pregnant or nursing. It is always in your best interests to understand your needs so that you can feed yourself well. You might take a class on pregnancy nutrition and fitness. After the baby is born, you can use the knowledge to ensure the extra 500 calories you need each day (according to the CDC) come from healthy and nutritious foods.
Let go of the idea of perfection.
Finally (and perhaps most importantly), don’t compare yourself to other new moms. While some first-timers take to motherhood like the proverbial duck to water, more struggle for the first few months. It’s very easy to get jealous when you see celebrities bouncing back from birth in what appears to be days. Rest easy in knowing that everyone has hurdles. While you may fight to learn your new routine right now, other moms will find toddlerhood full of trials when your two-year-old is the epitome of chill. No two moms have the same exact experience, just as no two children have the same temperament.
When you think of self-care, massages and nail parlors probably come to mind, but these aren’t always feasible when you have a new life to nurture. The above ideas can help you take better care of yourself while you care for your baby. Congratulations on your new addition, but remember — nursing does not mean neglecting yourself!
Having a new baby means that your attention will be focused 99.9% of the time on what’s best for them. But in the moments of clarity that you remember yourself, it pays to prioritize self-care. Here are some easy-to-follow tips on how to take care of yourself, too.
Prepare ahead of time.
If you have yet to usher in the arrival of your bundle of joy, make the most of your time now. Do things that will make your life easier, such as finding housekeeping services and stocking the pantry. Here’s a comprehensive guide on postpartum prep so you’ll be more than ready for arrival.
Create coziness.
Nothing’s cozier than having your baby in your arms. But there are a few items you can get for yourself that will maximize snuggle time. Get yourself nursing shirts, which are also useful if you plan to pump. Stretchy and comfortable leggings, yoga pants, and non-slip socks are also great pieces of clothing to have handy. A breastfeeding pillow and lots of comfortable blankets are other great items to keep nearby when you’re nursing.
Stay hydrated.
Many people struggle to drink enough water, even with a kid-free routine. However, hydration is crucial to your health, and even more so when breastfeeding. As Ameda Direct explains, nursing moms need to consume between one-half and three-quarters of an ounce of water for each pound of body weight to produce enough breast milk and maintain optimal health. The best way to make sure that you have access to water all the time is to keep a water bottle handy in all areas where you sit with the baby — next to your nursing chair, near the couch, on the bedside table, and more.
Know your nutritional needs.
Your nutritional needs change throughout life. This holds true when you are pregnant or nursing. It is always in your best interests to understand your needs so that you can feed yourself well. You might take a class on pregnancy nutrition and fitness. After the baby is born, you can use the knowledge to ensure the extra 500 calories you need each day (according to the CDC) come from healthy and nutritious foods.
Let go of the idea of perfection.
Finally (and perhaps most importantly), don’t compare yourself to other new moms. While some first-timers take to motherhood like the proverbial duck to water, more struggle for the first few months. It’s very easy to get jealous when you see celebrities bouncing back from birth in what appears to be days. Rest easy in knowing that everyone has hurdles. While you may fight to learn your new routine right now, other moms will find toddlerhood full of trials when your two-year-old is the epitome of chill. No two moms have the same exact experience, just as no two children have the same temperament.
When you think of self-care, massages and nail parlors probably come to mind, but these aren’t always feasible when you have a new life to nurture. The above ideas can help you take better care of yourself while you care for your baby. Congratulations on your new addition, but remember — nursing does not mean neglecting yourself!
Emily Graham | [email protected]
