Having a baby is one of the nicest feelings in the world. But from the time you learn that you are pregnant to the time you deliver the baby and beyond, everything that you do is centered around the baby. Your life completely changes. With becoming a parent comes responsibilities, changes to one’s routine practices, priorities, and behaviours.
Expectant mothers or new mothers, in general, tend to forget that they need to take care of themselves as much as they need to take care of their babies. Only when mums are calm, at peace, and relaxed, babies too are the same.
That’s why every new mother needs a bit of TLC pre and postpartum.
4 Best Ways To Take Care Of Yourself
Rest And Recover
The first thing that a new mother should take care of is her recovery. Remember you are nurturing and growing a whole new person inside you and carrying it for nine months. You might face discomfort but remember to take small naps throughout the day. Rest is essential.
Post-delivery, it is understandable that you are concerned about your newborn and want to give him/her full attention. But also remember that your body has gone through a whole lot of changes and it needs plenty of rest to recover. It’s okay to ask for help to take care of the baby when you need it.
Focus On Your Nutrition
The next thing that new mothers need to do pre and postpartum is to pay attention to their nutrition intake. It is something most women ignore and suffer from later, with conditions that could otherwise have been avoided if they had been considered prior. It’s important to have nutritious and wholesome foods that include all the necessary vitamins, minerals, folic acid, and iron. It’s good for you as well as the baby which you are carrying or breastfeeding. Remember a healthy mother raises a healthy baby!
Don’t Worry About The Calories
While you need to increase your calorie intake during pregnancy, it is important to consume a larger amount of calories post-delivery. You need to breastfeed your child, and that certainly would require more calories for your body. About 500 grams of extra calories would be sufficient. Protein, iron, and calcium, carbohydrates, and healthy fats are essentials and your body would require on higher levels postpartum.
Follow A Regular Exercise Routine
Exercise is important to keep you mentally and physically fit both during pre and postpartum. It not only keeps your body healthy and fit but also keeps your mind fresh and relaxed.You don’t need to get into rigorous exercise routines, but lighter exercises and yoga for the mind and body are enough. It is quite understandable that you would want to get back to shape post-delivery but it’s best to go slow and steady.
Going on a diet to lose pregnancy weight is not a good idea.
Everyone has their ways of indulging in some TLC. But what matters is that you practice self-care and self-love. Do what makes you happy, eat what you love. Think positive thoughts and remember it’s ok to put yourself first. You deserve the TLC because you are nurturing a whole new person. Cheers to motherhood!
