Self Care

I used to hate the phrase "self care". It felt New-Age and entitled and brought to mind a woman in a bubble bath with cucumber slices over her eyes. Now I think of self care as anything that makes my day easier, like a piece of dark chocolate or 15 minutes sitting in the sunshine. Is it possible to practice self care with a newborn? Yes, but we need to re-frame what this means. Aphorisms like "sleep when the baby sleeps" or "take time for yourself" or even "you can't pour from an empty well" can make new moms feel discouraged and inadequate. Here are some basics and above all, know that you deserve this.
How about beginning with things you are not going to do? Here are some examples:

• Minimal social media (check Facebook for 5 minutes at the beginning and end of the day, e.g.)
• No attending social events you don't like
• No checking work email after 6pm

Exercise is good for mind and body, but let's be realistic:

• Walk to the mailbox daily
• Use home equipment 10 mins per day
• Carry baby in a sling or carrier 

Eat right but make it easy:

• Keep frozen meals and veggies on hand
• Make up a dozen hard boiled eggs at once 
• If friends/family ask what they can do to help, say "a meal would be great" (trust me, people want to know)
• Keep a small basket with a granola bar, water bottle and your phone - grab it when it's time to nurse and take it with you

Avoid isolation:

• Call or text someone every day (this is tough but you can always ask a baby question!)
• If you can get out, go to the library once a week - baby-friendly, nice bathrooms, and always temperature controlled!
• If you'd like to go to a mother's group but it feels like too much, try an online one

SLEEP (Just because you have a baby doesn't mean you don't deserve sleep!)

• Rest your body when you can - **remember that this helps, even if you are not asleep
• Consider getting a weighted blanket (not for baby) - this can help reduce anxiety and let you get a better quality sleep, even if for a short time
• When baby is sleeping, get into your bed (under the covers, etc.) and rest **