How To Practice Self-Care As A New Mom | 8 Self-Care Tips That You Can Do With Your Baby Around

After many months or years of waiting to carry your precious baby in your arms, the moment has finally come! Congratulations, mama, says Dr Kausthub Desikachar! You’re presumably hyper-focused on your baby and just striving to get through each day. It indeed takes some time to get used to the beautiful yet engrossing life transition of becoming a new mom. As a new mom, practising self-care can be highly challenging, but it is equally vital for your emotional, physical and social health. In this article, Dr Kausthub Desikachar shares insight on how to practice self-care as a new mom and 8 self-care tips that you can do with your baby around. 

What Does Self-Care Really Mean?

“Self-care” is a term tossed about a lot, yet experts say it’s generally misinterpreted. Perpetually there has been a delusion that self-care is all about those luxurious spa baths, expensive body and head massages, gold facial, manicures and pedicures. Needless to say, spa treatments can also be a part of self-care, but that’s not all self-care is about. 

 Dr Kausthub Desikachar says, “self-care means that you are simply being mindful of your own needs.” Self-care is something that makes you feel better when you do it. Self-care is about making sure your physical, emotional, and social needs are being sufficed. It’s about taking care of yourself and setting apart time to nurture your well-being. Ultimately, self-care is about being as good to yourself as you would be to someone you love.

Why Is Self-Care Important?

1. Rejuvenates and energizes you
2. Maintains your physical and emotional health
3. Sets a good example to others/children
4. Demonstrates your worth
5. Improved self-esteem
6. Cope with stress
7. Be better at taking care of others

8 Self-Care Tips That You Can Do With Your Baby Around 

When it comes to self-care, your goal is to make sure you are being nurtured. Even the most minor things you do to nurture your body will make you feel better so much. Give the below tips a try!

1.Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Your postpartum body goes through many changes, so you need to take good care of yourself. Fill up water bottles every morning with freshly sliced lemons and mint leaves to add a flavour to your water. Not just that, drinking this way will help remove toxins from the body and also help you shed those extra mommy pounds naturally and gradually.  

2.Eat Healthily

You may feel desirous to get back to your old self. But remember, your body requires those extra calories and nutrients to breastfeed your baby. Be considerate with yourself and focus on eating wholesome food.

3.Sleep

Yup, we know that getting a good night’s sleep as a new mom is difficult with all night feeding. If you can sleep when the baby is sleeping, great, go for it. Short naps can make you refreshed and helps reduce your sleep debts. You can try using apps that help you sleep faster with calming ambient sounds. 

4.Excercise

Fill your day with energy and enthusiasm. One of your baby’s nap can get you some time to go for a short walk to keep your body active and energized. Not possible? Well, connect with a Yoga teacher online and practice yoga-asanas to calm your body, mind, and soul. 

5.Build Your Sanctuary

Create a cosy place at your home where you can just unwind. Spaces with greenery and natural light are an ideal spot for relaxation. Set up many indoor plants and sit with your baby in that quiet ambience and enjoy the breeze. Read a book to keep your stress at bay or gain knowledge about something you love from the internet. 

6.Get Your Groceries Delivered

As a new mom, finding time to get out to buy groceries can be unpleasant. Make the best of technology’s potential, order your groceries online, and get them delivered to your doorstep. This will save up your energy and make time for you to take care of the baby’s needs.

7.Soak Your Feet

Pop your feet into a lovely foot bath while nursing your baby. It May does not sound as easy as said, but planning it beforehand can help you achieve this. You can add essential oils to make it more relaxing. It soothes your muscles, relieves you from aches, reduces swelling and makes you feel so much better. 

8. Don’t Stop Being You

Don’t forget to pay attention to your interest and hobbies. Remember you had a life before, and so do you now after childbirth. Naturally, you won’t have much time to dedicate to your interests, but take an hour or two a week to satisfy all your needs as well.

Conclusion

Parenting is a tough job. It’s normal to feel sad, denied, or annoyed seldom, so don’t be grim on yourself concerning those feelings. Dr Kausthub Desikachar encourages new moms to concentrate on the things they can have control over and rejoice in small victories.