Ten Tips for Mental Wellness for the Postpartum Mom

“Becoming a mama is the best reason you’ll ever have to take care of you.” 

Motherhood can be overwhelming, exhausting, and all-consuming. It's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of taking care of everyone else, and neglecting our own needs in the process. At first it may seem counterintuitive, but prioritizing self-care is crucial for tackling the challenges and demands of motherhood. When we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to handle the physical, emotional, and mental stress that comes with the role.  It makes us more patient, more resilient, and then more able to enjoy the precious moments with our kids.

Here are Our Ten Best Tips to Care for Your Mental Wellness as a Postpartum  Mom: 

1. Build A Strong Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support network, including family, friends, and mental health professionals, to share the emotional journey. Don't wait until you are struggling! Create a plan as soon as you can.

2. Focus on Open Communication: Express your feelings and concerns openly with your partner, friends, or a mental health professional to alleviate your emotional burden.

3. Schedule Your Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation, even if they are brief moments during the day. And important - put them on your calendar! This should not be running errands, but rather actual events that fill your cup.

4. Get Adequate Sleep: I know, this can seem impossible as a new mom! Strive to get enough sleep whenever possible, grabbing a nap during the day where you can or going to bed 30 minutes earlier. Avoiding screen time for an hour before bed will help you wind down more for sleep.

5. Strive for a Healthy Diet: Eat balanced meals to support both physical and mental health, ensuring you get essential nutrients.

6. Add in Physical Activity: It can be hard to have energy to workout when you're an exhausted new mom. My secret? Find something fun that you'll actually look forward to. My husband and I walk 3 days a week together. It's easy but still gets our blood pumping, and allows us to reconnect at the same time.

7. Adopt Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to manage stress and stay present.

8. Accept Help: This was a hard one for me to learn! Don't hesitate to accept help from others, allowing you to focus on your well-being and the well-being of your baby.

9. Seek Out Professional Support: If needed, seek the guidance of a mental health professional who specializes in postpartum well-being for additional support and coping strategies.

10. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that adjusting to motherhood takes time, and it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately.

Above all - don't forget to give yourself grace. You aren't perfect, and no one expects you to be. None of us are able to check off all ten items on this list daily, but we can use it as a guideline to come back to when we need ways to feel more empowered and stronger as a mother. Keep your focus on the main goal: a mentally well you. It will serve not only you but your baby and your entire family. 

* Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your individual needs.