It's All New: Maintaining Your Mental Health as a New Mom
Throughout your pregnancy, even after birth, your mental health should be at the top of your priorities. With so many hormonal changes, your pregnancy can feel like a roller-coaster at times; you’re up one moment, and down the next.
Add in conditions such as chronic stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression and it can impact how you care for yourself and your baby.
Thankfully, the following tips can help you relax, decrease stress, and enhance your energy levels no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey. Use them to create a custom self-care plan. You and your baby will be glad that you did!
Know the Signs: Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is more than just the “baby blues.” It is a serious depression that lasts longer and usually starts the first month after you give birth.
Some typical symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Immense sadness
Severe anxiety
Trouble concentrating
Intense irritability or anger
Difficulty bonding with Baby
The anxiety and stress that come along with postpartum depression can weigh heavy on you, especially when you are expected to be over the moon with new baby joy.
If you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, it is important to seek help. Treatment can include therapy, like the Emotional Polarity Technique™, visiting a parenting support group, or prescription medication.
New Mom Self-Care
As a new mom (I’m right there with you), remember you can’t take of others without also taking care of yourself. Trust me, you’re doing great.
The following self-care tips can also help you take care of yourself and show more love to yourself.
#1. Invest in Self-Care
Self-care is essential to your mental health, especially as a new mom. As your baby gets older, you will be able to carve out more time for self-care in your schedule. But you can begin these habits while in the newborn phase by doing a few things that make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Try spending a few moments each week
doing something that you enjoy.
Some new moms like to take a bath after their baby goes to sleep or to get a massage from their partner.
Other self-care ideas include:
Listening to an audiobook
Writing in a gratitude journal
Doing a yoga class online
Trying a facial mask
Make a soothing or energizing tea
It will get easier, just give yourself some time to adjust to your new routine (and beautiful new baby).
#2. Limit Social Media
You may find yourself scrolling through social media when you get a moment while nursing or putting your baby to sleep. However, I recommend slowing the scroll. Comparing yourself to other moms can make you feel inadequate at an already emotional time.
The less time that you spend posting, liking, and commenting, the more time you will have to rest and recover. You will also be able to fill that time with more self-care.
If you crave socialization, think about going out with a friend who just had a baby or joining a mom's group. There are mom and baby clubs, including support groups and workout sessions.
#3. Talk Positively to Yourself
Being a new mother is exciting and difficult at the same time. You may feel on top of the world on some days while feeling like you have no idea what you are doing with your life on others. Recognize that you are not alone. Every new parent experiences unique challenges as they navigate motherhood.
Give yourself permission to be a novice in parenting, and
become your best advocate by using positive self-affirmations.
Positive self-talk is important as you adjust to your new life. You aren’t always going to get things right, and that is ok. Show yourself some compassion, and if you start spiraling into negativity, replace these thoughts and messages with uplifting ones.
Repeat to yourself:
I am a great mom
I am doing the best that I can, and that is enough.
Baby and I are doing great, and I am so blessed
I celebrate the gift of life and motherhood
I am strong
The more you say positive things, the more you will believe them. Try writing positive messages on sticky notes and taping them to your mirror or desk so you see them numerous times throughout the day.
#4. Ask for Help and Build Relationships
Support is essential during pregnancy and the early parenting years, but I understand that accepting help can be difficult for some people. But if you're feeling overwhelmed, it's crucial to reach out. You don’t have to be a superwoman.
Establish positive connections with other new moms and cultivate friendships that will help you feel less alone. Even on the worst of days, talking to a sympathetic person will put you at ease.
Better Mental Health for New Moms
To best care for your baby, you need to be healthy. Remember, self-care is anything but selfish, so make it a priority as you navigate being a new mom.
If you need help dealing with feelings of inadequacy or depression as a new mom, the Emotional Polarity Technique™ can help you heal and move forward with the power of forgiveness. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with me, Paige Cargioli, today!