Tips to Maintain Your Mental Health After Baby

You have waited nine months to see your precious baby, and now that it is finally here your life doesn’t seem to resemble those cute after-birth pictures you saw on Instagram. Instead of dressing your little one in cute outfits, you do your best just not to smell like puke. For months you’ve waited to play with your child, and now you cannot wait to go back to bed and get some sleep. Yes, having a baby can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially if you are not one of those lucky moms whose children wake up maybe two times per night just to eat. All those sleepless nights, raging hormones and exhaustion can easily take a toll on your mental health. Luckily, there are some ways you can maintain your sanity and enjoy being a new mom.

Take care of yourself

A lot of new moms completely neglect themselves during the first few weeks or even months after their child is born. Of course, your baby needs your attention, but so do you. In fact, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be in any condition to look after your little one. And when you are cranky and fussy, your child will be too. Therefore, make sure you get some sleep, even if it means napping during the day. Forget about house chores, the world won’t stop if you do not vacuum every two days or prepare a home-cooked meal on a daily basis. Speaking of nutrition, make sure you eat food that is healthy and good for you and gives you the energy to deal with everyday problems. Also, keep in mind that fish oils reduce anxiety and depression in new moms.

Take a break

No, you don’t have to be with your baby 24/7. Feel free to take some time away from your little one and do something that helps you feel like you, even if it means just washing your hair or taking a bath with stress-relieving essential oils. In addition, make sure you spend some time with the adults. Talking to your partner and your friends will help you stay connected to the ‘real’ world and give you a mental break from your mommy chores. 

Create a support group

Being a new mom is not just sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. In fact, it is overwhelming so make sure you surround yourself with people you can completely be real with and share your true feelings with them. Having someone to confide in is extremely important during this time, even if you believe that your feelings are completely silly. Venting to your best friend, a family member, or your partner can lower your stress levels and help you feel calmer. 

Don’t play by someone else’s rules

It is important to remember that not all babies are the same, so it is quite logical that what has worked for one mom won’t work for the other one. It is okay to listen to other people’s advice, but at the end of the day you need to care for your baby in a way that works best for you. Find your own method and stick to it, no matter what others say.

Be realistic

Do not start going through pictures of actresses who gave birth and immediately looked like a million dollars. Forget about the images you see in tabloids and on social media, most of it has nothing to do with reality. Have you heard about Photoshop? Instead of comparing yourself to others, give yourself time to get back on your feet and adjust to your new lifestyle.

Get help when needed

All those raging hormones can leave you feeling emotional and that is completely normal after giving birth. However, postpartum depression is not so if you feel like something is wrong, do not hesitate to ask for help. Waiting until things get even worse is a recipe for a disaster, so act on time. Being a new mom has its ups and downs, and hopefully, these tips will help you deal with everyday challenges a new baby will bring into your life.