How to Practice Self Care as a New Mom

I tip-toed out of the baby’s room, fingers crossed, hoping she would stay asleep this time. I was in desperate need of a break (and a shower). I hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in several days and was feeling the effects. I was so excited to be a mom, but at the same time, I felt overwhelmed, anxious that I was doing everything wrong, and totally exhausted.

Having a baby is such a blessing, but it also turns your world upside down. Because your baby needs so much love, care, and attention, your schedule as a mom has to shift dramatically to meet those needs.

Your life is going to change in the most amazing ways as a mom, but it is important to remember to take care of the woman that you are along the way as well.

Why Bother With Self Care?

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There is a quote by Eleanor Brownn that says, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

This quote serves as a beautiful reminder that when you take time to care for your needs, you are better able to serve your family.

Practicing self care also helps you to be the calm, confident mom that you always dreamed of being and helps you to find more joy and love on your motherhood journey.

How Do I Find Time for Self Care as a New Mom?

As a mom, your schedule may not be as flexible as it was before baby, but there are still plenty of ways you can fit more of you into your day.

The key to practicing self care as a new mom is to spread your self care throughout your day. Finding little pockets of time during the day to pause and check-in with what you need. Taking care of those needs will help you to feel cared for and loved.

Keeping things simple, tuning into yourself, and practicing self love every day is a great way to shift out of survival mode and truly thrive and enjoy motherhood.

Here are some practices that will help you fill your cup and practice self care as a new mom:

10 Simple Tips to Help You Stay Sane and Enjoy Your Baby or Toddler

1. Start Your Day with a Self Care Ritual

Creating a quick self care ritual that you can practice before you even get out of bed is an incredible way to start your day with intention.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Take Some Deep Calming Breaths
• Make a note of something you are grateful for
• Choose a mantra to help you through the more challenging times of day
  

I have a self care ritual that I love to practice in the mornings that helps me to feel loved and nurtured before I start my day. Check out these 5 simple steps that can help you feel calm, confident, and energized before your feet hit the floor in the morning.

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2. You Don’t Have to do it All By Yourself

It takes a village, Mama. Raising a little one is not an easy feat, and you don’t have to do it alone. You may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But actually, when you start to ask for and become open to receiving help from others you are showing incredible courage and strength.

Asking trusted family or friends to help you run errands, take care of the house, or watch the baby so you can take a nap or just have some time for yourself is a great way to practice self care.

When you ask for help you are taking the steps needed to support yourself and your self care. Which in turn helps you to fill your cup and serve from the overflow. Not only that, you are setting a beautiful example for your child on how to care for and love herself.

3. Take Advantage of Nap Time

It is certainly tempting to do all the things that need to get done whenever you have your hands free. But taking some time to first practice self care will leave you with more energy to get all the necessary tasks done and will make them feel more enjoyable as well.

So anytime your little one is laying down, be sure to use that time to prioritize your self care before tending to the chores.

SHORT ON TIME? PIN THIS FOR LATER!

4. Find Your Breath

Your breath is a powerful tool that’s always with you. Pausing to take slow calming deep breaths is a relaxing self care practice you can do to help you feel more calm in any situation.

5. Smile

Smiling can immediately shift your mood and make you feel happier. This simple action is something you can do anytime to lift your spirits.

So allow that beautiful smile to light your face, Mama!

6. Set an Intention for the Day

Set an intention to do something special just for yourself each day. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. It can be something as simple as making a cup of tea or putting on your favorite music. Choose at least one thing each day that brings you joy.

7. Wear Your Baby

Some babies need a lot of snuggles and seem to want to be held constantly. This can make it challenging to do much of anything else. You may find it helpful to wear your baby in a baby carrier to free up your hands to have a cup or tea, take care of things around the house, or care for older kids while still connecting with and providing the closeness your baby craves.

8. Move Your Body

Moving your body is a wonderful way to practice physical self care. Going for a walk during nap time with your baby in a baby carrier or stroller is a great way to bring movement into your day and get outside so you can enjoy the beauty of nature, while your little one rests.

You might also like to practice some yoga at nap time or even do some mommy and baby yoga during the day to bring more movement into your day.

If you are looking for more ways to move with your baby, be sure to grab the printable mindful movement for mom and baby activities for more ideas!

9. Connect With Other Moms

Joining a playgroup can help you connect with other moms and create beautiful new friendships for yourself and your child. Creating and nurturing relationships is a wonderful way to connect with others, find support, and practice self care.

10. Enjoy the Journey

There are many challenging moments in motherhood, but there are many beautiful moments as well. This season of motherhood with diapers, spit-up, and sleepless nights may feel long, but it is just a season and will be gone before you know it. Be sure to enjoy the sweet moments of giggles and coos, little hands wrapped around your finger, and the sweet gaze of your baby. 

Savor Your Self Care

Being a mom has taught me to roll with the punches, so to speak. I have found that self care doesn’t require that you spend the day at the spa (although I wouldn’t turn down a spa day). But true self care is as simple as caring for yourself and meeting your needs in each moment.

Now if find that I treasure my moments of self care throughout the day because I know that they make me a better mom and help me to enjoy the journey of motherhood with my kids.

You are doing amazing, Mama! Keep taking care of you. You are worth it!

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