by Gwen Payne
Breastfeeding is a special time in every new mama’s life. There is nothing quite like it and not much you can do to prepare in advance. But once you get started, the process also comes with its own set of stresses, expectations, and pressures. Thus, it will be critical to prioritize self-care to make the experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Here, Love Certified shares essential self-care tips for success.
Healthy Eating
Top of the list, of course, is the practice of eating well. Be sure to consult with your doctor on any post-pregnancy dietary requirements and particular nutrients you need to be getting. This is particularly true if you had complications or if the baby was born early. In addition, keep the following essential nutrition tips in mind:
● Stay hydrated: You need to be drinking a lot of fluids with a minimum of one glass of water during breastfeeding.
● Limit sugar intake: Drinks with added sugars such as sodas and fruit drinks will be a no-no.
● Limit caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption can increase fussiness or sleeplessness in the baby.
In addition, keep taking your prenatal vitamins and eating those extra calories each day.
It Takes A Village
Delivery is a challenging and emotional time, and then post-delivery has all these people clamoring to meet the baby. While you will want quiet time with your family initially, consider letting loved ones into your life a couple of weeks down the line. This is because new parents need all the support they can get during those first few difficult months. Let your friends bring you dinner one day a week, or ask your neighbors if they could water your lawn. Maybe your in-laws can stop by for baby snuggles or take the dog for a walk. Hiring a child care agency is also an option! Support will significantly reduce the burdens on your plate and free up time to take care of yourself.
Prioritize Comfort
Although social media can make new moms look perfectly put together, the reality is that the process can be messy and time-consuming. Prioritize comfort when it comes to breastfeeding, as it will become a new constant in your life. For example, a comfortable nursing T-shirt can be a lifesaver, as you can use it for nursing, pumping, and lounging. You may also want to consider a nursing pillow to ensure you’re comfortable in different positions and a nursing bra that is soft and okay to keep on at night.
Watch Your Feelings
According to a study by StatPearls, one in seven American women experience postpartum depression. Signs include extreme sadness, guilt, and anxiety, which will be critical to identify as early as possible. If you’re suffering from a loss of appetite, interest, and excessive worry, you may want to speak to your doctor right away. These feelings are normal, but early detection will be key here.
Get Moving
Working out can give you renewed energy and enthusiasm for life. Parents.com reports that new moms should ease back into exercise slowly but can participate in different activities like yoga, online workouts, and even light movement at the gym. However, time can be a real issue for new moms. Our suggestion is to try to move each day, even if it’s just for a ten-minute brisk walk. This won’t take up too much time and will be fantastic for your mind, body, and soul during this physically and emotionally taxing time.
Breastfeeding mothers often forget that they need to take care of themselves too, and not just the baby. After all, a happy and relaxed mama can do so much more for their child than a stressed-out, anxious one! Use our self-care tips to keep both you and your baby feeling great.
Looking for childcare professionals in the Denver area? Love Certified offers on-call child care, long-term care, and virtual care for you and your family. Click here to check out our services today.
