Today I’m sharing some tips to take care of your mental health as a new Mum. Being a new mum is an exciting and happy experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. As a new mum, you must prioritise your mental health since it directly affects your capacity to care for your child. Here are some pointers to help you maintain your mental health as a new mum.
Get Enough Sleep
It’s no secret that new mums struggle to get enough sleep, which is crucial for their mental health. Sleep deprivation can lead to rage, anxiety, and depression, therefore it’s important to prioritise sleep. Sleep whenever your baby sleeps and take naps whenever possible.
If you are lucky enough to have people around you, express milk (if breastfeeding) and allow others to take on shifts so that you can sleep. Sleep enables you to think about and cope with so much more.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health is just as important as taking care of your mental health. It is especially important when you consider the strain your body is under, e.g., childbirth and feeding. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly (find the Seven Minute Workout [split it up if need be]), and address any health problems you may have.
Try to prioritise your hygiene and appearance. Taking pride in yourself helps avoid feelings of low self-esteem and melancholy, which can easily impact your mental health as a new mum.
Reach Out for Support With Your Mental Health as a New Mum
Being a new mum can be alienating and tough. Many mums (and dads) are taken off guard and are surprised by how demanding and taxing caring for a little one can be. Intense feelings are stirred and most of us are faced with a gap between the kind of parent we thought we would be and the kind we turn out to be.
All this is completely normal, but it’s not easygoing. Especially when first-time mums (and dads) are expected to cope much by themselves. Please know that you don’t have to face it alone or hide how tough it can be. Get help from family and friends, and think about joining a new mum’s support group. If you find yourself experiencing darker thoughts or feelings, reach out for assistance.
Consult your healthcare provider or find a therapist, psychologist, or counsellor. You can use Therapist directories like this one are helpful because they enable mums to locate and contact mental health professionals even in the tiny gaps mums get for themselves.
Prioritise Self-care
As a new mum, it’s easy to put your personal needs last, but you should take some time to prioritise self-care. Make time for things you enjoy doing, such as reading a book, or going on a walk. With self-care, you will feel more relaxed and confident about caring for your child.
If you are thinking “yeah right, but when?”, at least hear that prioritising yourself is also prioritising your ability to care for your child later on. No need to feel guilty about this – It’s a great way to help improve your mental health as a new mum. Me-time is non-negotiable in my opinion. Unicorns, Dinosaurs and Me shared a great post on navigating the motherhood and caregiver mental load recently. It’s worth a read.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries will keep you from becoming overwhelmed by your new responsibilities. Learn to say no to events and activities that do not align with your priorities or timetable. Limiting yourself may help you feel less anxious and more in control, which will help improve your mental health as a new mum.
Limit Social Media Time
Social media can be a helpful tool for you to learn about being a new mother, but it can also be daunting. If you find yourself comparing yourself to other mums and feeling anxious, this indicates that your social media exposure is harming rather than benefiting your mental health.
You can avoid this by setting timers, putting time limits on various platforms, unfollowing specific accounts, and deleting the application entirely from your phone. Taking a break from social media is a good way to improve your mental health at any time, not just as a new mum.
Engage And Connect With Your Partner
If you have a partner, it’s crucial to speak to them and collaborate to care for your child. Aim for low-conflict discussions that illustrate your expectations regarding the distribution of child care. Work towards an agreement, and then stick to it. Raising a child is too much for one person. Getting time to yourself is essential to your mental health as a new mum.
In the haze of these busy days, it’s all too easy to neglect your relationship. Schedule time together. If you can call on assistance (granny?), plan regular date nights and alone time. Hearing each other out, and sharing your emotions and desires plainly, can help you feel less alone and more supported.
Connect With Other Mums
Establishing connections with other new mums may be both calming and gratifying. These mums are aware of your situation and may be able to provide support and advice. Participating in baby-friendly activities in your area can also help. You can connect with other mums on social media or in forums.
Set Small Goals You Can Achieve
You may feel the need to be productive while your baby is asleep. Consider showering, washing the dishes, doing laundry, or folding the laundry. Resist the urge to achieve more with less energy. Instead, set smaller, more realistic goals.
For example, once you are done with the dishes, you can make tea, do some yoga, watch TV, talk on the phone, or write in your notebook. These small successes will help you feel more accomplished without overwhelming you.
Recognise Warning Signs
It is also critical to recognise the warning signs associated with mental health such as anxiety or depression. If you find yourself feeling stressed, unhappy, or anxious over a long period of time, don’t be afraid to get help.
If you find that you’re not bonding with your baby, or experience regular disturbing thoughts of harming them, or yourself, you could be entering postpartum depression. This can be helped. Don’t let shame stop you from seeking medical help. Good mums aren’t perfect, good mums take help.
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s easy to be hard on yourself as a new mum, but it’s important to be kind to yourself. Recognise that you’re doing your best and that making mistakes is natural. Treat yourself with all of the love and kindness you would show to others struggling with their mental health as a new mum.
Conclusion
Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your baby’s needs. By prioritising your mental health, you can be the best version of yourself and provide the best care for your baby. However, if you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Finally, let us know in the comments if you’ve done anything else to help improve your mental health as a new mum.
