It can be easy, in those first few weeks, to forget about yourself and your needs. It's understandable; there's so much to do and you have a new little person that is very demanding! Many new mums find themselves so busy they completely forget about themselves. It's not unusual to find yourself still in nightwear at lunchtime and grabbing quick bites to eat when you can. It's important to keep yourself fit and healthy; not only will you have more energy but you'll be able to cope better.
Take Some Time for Mum
It's important that you give yourself some time just for you. Whether it's taking a luxurious bath, reading a book in quiet, or going shopping; these moments help you relax and re-gather your strength. Hopefully there are others around you, who can help with baby, so take the opportunity when you can. And remember it's good for baby to bond with dad, grandparents, aunties, uncles, etc.
Mums Need Rest
Your body has been through a very strenuous experience, it needs rest and recuperation. It can be tempting to use the time that baby is sleeping to tend to all the other things that need doing, like housework. When baby is sleeping is time that you can also get in some rest, so forget about the other things – these can wait! Your body will repair itself quicker if you give it time to rest.
Join a Mum and Babies Group
Meeting other mums in the same situation can be a great way to share your worries and get advice from others. The NCT in the UK is a charity that supports parents and babies, and organises various Mums & Dads groups across the UK.
Eat Well
Baby needs a mum that is fit and healthy, so it's important that you eat well. During such a hectic period with a demanding little person, it's easy to not eat properly. In the long term this isn't great for you or baby. Especially if breastfeeding, you need to keep your body well fueled with healthy food. Have plenty of fruit and vegetables handy to snack on. It will also help avoid adding on the kilograms.
Try to Keep Active
Even if it's just taking baby for a walk in the pram. The fresh air will do you both wonders, as will the exercise. If you can, yoga and pilates, are great for new mums recovering from childbirth. There are a range of exercise DVDs available for before and after pregnancy. See Exercise for New Mums.
Pamper Mum
You've done a great job delivering a wonderful little baby, and you deserve some pampering. You might not be able to go off to a luxurious spa (but if you can wonderful!), but you can always get yourself some wonderful bath salts, a few candles and create a little home spa for yourself. (Be careful with fragrant bath liquids as the perfume can be painful if you have any stitches). Get your partner to give you a nice backrub or foot massage! Again, be careful with any oils that contain perfume near any stitches.
Keep Housework to a Minimum
No one expects households with a new baby to be immaculate so don't stress about housework. Clean clothes are good but having crease-free clothes isn't a necessity. Try and cut back on the ironing, and get your partner to do a quick hoover now and then. He mightn't do the greatest job but it will do!
The first few weeks with a newborn baby are a wonderful time. Take the time out to get plenty of rest and give yourself the attention you deserve. You'll find that you'll feel much better and also be able to enjoy your new little family member much more.
The Mum Stuff website has information for Mums and Mums to Be.
See also How To Survive Baby's First Week
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