If you’ve just brought a new life into the world, that’s no small feat. And as any new mom knows, the first year after giving birth can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, sleepless nights, and endless diaper changes. That’s why it’s important to take time for yourself and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Leaving your baby (even for a short time) can be stressful and emotional, but it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is also taking care of your baby. When you prioritize your own well-being, you’re better equipped to care for your little one, so if you have a partner, family member, or friend who can help with childcare, don’t hesitate to reach out to them, as having someone you trust take care of your baby while you indulge in self-care activities can make all the difference in how you feel afterwards. Whether you’re a new mom yourself or are trying to support one as a loved one, here are five things all postpartum moms should be treated to in the first year after giving birth!
A Day at the Spa
There’s nothing like a day at the spa to help you relax and rejuvenate after the stress of giving birth. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or pedicure, and let the tension melt away. Some light lunch, a swim in the pool and a day to feel free of responsibilities might be just what the doctor ordered especially if you’re going through a particularly rough patch.
A Night Out with Friends
It’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a new mom, so make sure to schedule a night out with your girlfriends. Whether you go out for dinner, drinks, or a movie, spending time with friends can help you feel valued, relaxed, and connected to the outside world. Even if it’s just for a few hours, it’s nice to check in and feel like your old self again for a few hours since it’s so easy to completely lose yourself to motherhood in the first year.
A Dinner Date
It’s always worthwhile to make time for your partner after having a baby when you get the chance, and a dinner date can be the perfect way to reconnect. Hire a babysitter or ask a family member to watch the baby, and enjoy a romantic evening out, or order in some delicious takeout. Having food that you don’t have to prepare yourself, that you can eat hot and in peace is one of those rare treats in the first year after having a baby!
A Night In with Your Favorite Movies or TV Shows
Sometimes, all you need is a night in to recharge your batteries. Grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and indulge in your favorite movies or TV shows. If you can get some overnight childcare, follow it up with a nice lie in in the morning and an uninterrupted night of sleep! It’s another way to reconnect with your partner, and is the perfect way to spend some time if you don’t have the energy or motivation to get dressed or go anywhere. When you’ve been tending to your baby’s needs all day, you can certainly be forgiven for not wanting to do anything other than just sit and relax!
A Visit to the Hairdresser
New moms often neglect their hair after giving birth, but a visit to the hairdresser can do wonders for your self-confidence and mental health. Search ‘hair salon near me’ and treat yourself to a new haircut, color, or style, and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Even if you only ever get the time to throw your hair into a mum bun most day, a nice low maintenance colour and cut means that when you do get a few minutes you can style your hair in a way that makes you feel good. Regular maintenance will also keep your hair healthy, motherhood wont always be this full on and one day in the future you’ll have the time again to sit and spend time getting ready again!
Motherhood is the most incredible journey you will go on in your life, but it’s full on and such hard work. If you do get the opportunity to relax or the offer of childcare then these are some activities well worth considering. But anything that allows you to chill out and decompress is a good use of your limited free time.
What do you think?