What IS Self-Care For a New Mom? Thoughts from Your Therapist Palm Desert

Self-care for a new mom is crucial to help maintain physical and mental well-being during the challenging and demanding time of caring for a newborn. But what does self-care look like when you have a young baby? Here are some self-care practices that can be beneficial to explore:

Rest and Sleep

Black and white photo of a woman sleeping in a bed

Prioritize getting enough rest and sleep whenever possible. Take naps when your baby sleeps and consider asking for help from your partner, family, or friends to share the responsibilities of caring for the baby. Brainstorm with your support network ways for you to increase your opportunities for uninterrupted sleep with 5-6 hours as the goal you are working towards. This may not happen every night, but working towards it can be very helpful in your postpartum recovery.

Accept Help

Don't hesitate to ask for assistance from your loved ones. Accept offers of help with tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands, which will free up some time for you to focus on self-care. Not sure how to ask for the help you need? Check out this blog.

Nutrition and Hydration

It's important to nourish yourself properly. Eat balanced meals and snacks that provide the necessary nutrients. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.

Daily Movement

Photo of a mom walking with a stroller outside. — Therapist Palm Desert, Lauren Fox, LCSW recommends light movement in the postpartum period.

Movement is so much more important than traditional exercise. Engage in light exercises or activities that suit your postpartum recovery. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on when it's safe to start exercising again. Then think about ways to create opportunities for gentle stretches and walks in your neighborhood, either with your baby or when another caregiver can hold your baby while you walk alone.

Pamper Yourself

Find moments to indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.

Connect with Others

Stay socially connected with family and friends. Reach out to loved ones for support, share your experiences, and talk about your feelings. Consider joining local new parent groups or online communities to connect with other moms going through similar experiences.

Delegate and Prioritize

Recognize that you can't do everything, and it's okay to delegate tasks or let certain things wait. Prioritize the most important activities and let go of unnecessary pressures or expectations.

Mental Health Support

Pay attention to your mental health and seek support if needed. It's normal to experience a range of emotions after giving birth. Talk to your healthcare provider, a Maternal Mental Health therapist in Palm Desert, or a support group if you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.

Time for Yourself

Carve out regular intervals of time solely for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes each day. Use this time to engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind and patient with yourself. Remember that adjusting to motherhood takes time, and it's okay to make mistakes or have challenging moments. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that you're doing your best.

Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential for your well-being as a new mom. Taking care of yourself allows you to be better equipped to care for your baby and enjoy this special time in your life.

Photo of Therapist Palm Desert, Lauren Fox, LCSW — Therapist Palm Desert, Lauren Fox, LCSW

I hope this blog on ways to explore self-care as a new mom was beneficial for you. If you or someone you love is wanting more support in your motherhood journey, reach out to me! We can schedule a 15 minute phone consultation to discuss what is happening for you and explore if more individualized mental health support could be beneficial for you. I would be happy to help get you connected. Feel free to call me at 805-930-9355 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. If you are looking for help with pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma or hypnotherapy, you can read more about how I can help within this website.

Serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, including: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Thousand Palms, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, Desert Hot Springs, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and virtually across the state of California.

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