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The stress that you will be under as a new mom is so much different than at any other time in your life. Suddenly, you are responsible for the care and happiness of another human being, and that burden can be overwhelming for many new moms. When you add sleepless nights and physical exhaustion to that equation, it’s not surprising that new moms are feeling the pressure.
Although much of your focus and attention will be on your newborn, it’s essential as a new mother to ensure that your own needs are being met. The more time you dedicate to self-care, the better equipped you will be to take care of your new bundle of joy. Self-care for new moms isn’t about taking time out to enjoy a spa day or enjoying a few minutes with your PinkCherry toy, but rather just small kindnesses that you show yourself daily.
Activities that help reduce your stress and bring you joy to help you regenerate and focus on giving your all to your new baby. Let’s look at a few crucial reasons that self-care is vital for new moms.
Burnout
With very little sleep and every waking moment dedicated to the care of someone other than yourself, it doesn’t take long for new moms to get burnt out. There is a false narrative in the public that new moms need to have some sort of superhuman power to give their child everything that they need. That kind of pressure often leads new moms to take on too much when all they need to do is care for themselves and their new baby’s basic needs.
Self Esteem
Emotions and hormones can run wild through many new moms. This kind of internal feuding can lead to questioning your abilities as a new mom. When you dedicate just a sliver of time to taking care of your own needs, you can feel better about yourself. Small acts like a relaxing hot bath, doing your hair, and putting on a new outfit can improve your self-image and boost your self-esteem.
Less Stress
Becoming a mother is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Mothers that dedicate time to a regular self-care routine know how to manage those high-stress levels effectively. Just a few minutes of quiet meditation, taking naps when your baby is sleeping, and treating yourself to your favorite guilty pleasure to help reduce your stress.
Effective Bonding
When you are at the end of your rope as a new mom, it can create an unhealthy emotional distance between you and your child. Without the right self-care routine, you may end up burning out with nothing left to give to the one that needs it the most. When you practice self-care, you can be more prepared to provide the best of yourself to your child, helping you to form a stronger bond.
Making yourself a priority as a new mom can dramatically affect how you handle the stress of parenting. Take some time to pamper yourself, and you will be better equipped to manage your stress, create a deeper bond with your child, and reduce the chances of new-mom burnout.
