There is no real way to fully comprehend how much a woman’s life changes after childbirth. After all, babies are fully dependent on their caregivers for everything. Some women grasp that concept right away and submit to being in “Mommy Mode,” while for others the transition is overwhelming. No matter how much time goes in to preparing for the new addition to the family, the mental, physical, and emotional demands often exceed a mother’s limits. Time management is one of her greatest challenges because her other duties and responsibilities don’t go away. When will Mommy have time for herself?
There are many ways to adjust to the “new normal” without sacrificing personal time, even if it is for only hygiene and a nap. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Prioritize. Women must decide which tasks are non-negotiable and put those things first. It is unrealistic to think that suddenly more hours will appear in the day or that the baby will follow a carefully outlined itinerary. Eating, sleeping, showering, taking care of the baby, and occasionally interacting with members of the immediate family might make the top five. Mommy must identify what the most important things are and, for a period of time, try not sweat the small stuff.
- Ask for help. People love to meet the new baby. There is no shame in letting others help with caring for it. An extra set of hands to help hold and/or feed the baby can be liberating. Members of the household should be enlisted to chip in around the house. Friends and extended family can help fold laundry, cook dinner, run errands, and even entertain the other children while mommy grabs a nap. Being a mother is a huge responsibility, but women do not have to be alone.
- Eat well. After having a baby, good nutrition is critical for healing and restoration. Consuming foods with empty calories will leave the body lethargic and craving more of the same. Many doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins post-delivery. The diet should consist of lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of water. Moms should be especially mindful if they opt to breastfeed. A poor diet laden with spicy, greasy food or excess sugar and caffeine could make for a very cranky baby—and less peace for Mommy.
- Exercise. Even 20 minutes of walking three days a week will help alleviate stress, improve mood, increase energy levels, and restore fitness. The goal is to pay attention to how the body responds and keep moving in ways that feel good. Women may not get out to the gym, but performing daily chores is exercise. Stretching several times per day is exercise. Simply marching in place is exercise. Moms should just keep moving.
- Get out of the house. Every so often, moms should take a few hours for themselves and meet a friend for lunch, catch a movie, or do anything totally unrelated to their day-to-day duties. A trip to the library or bookstore could help get caught up on the latest bestsellers—never mind the peace and quiet. Moms should continue to pursue their interests to maintain their own identities beyond the roles that they play in their loved-ones’ lives.
- Embrace. One of the most important things that a mommy can do is cherish every moment of her newborn’s life. Babies develop rapidly and change every day. It is ok to put some things on hold and focus on her little miracle. In a year, it may all be a distant memory. However, embracing motherhood doesn’t mean that a woman has to deny or neglect her own needs. She should always make time for herself. The trick is to strike a healthy balance.
