Ask a new mom, and they’ll tell you what their “ideal” day looks like; it will include a relaxing bath with soft music and a full night’s sleep. Maybe even a cup of coffee or tea in the morning without interruption. But new moms will also tell you that this perfect day is few and far between. The reality is that most days are spent trying to juggle a thousand different things at once. Changing the 10th diaper of the day and trying to keep the baby entertained while cooking dinner can be overwhelming. It all causes a lot of stress.
The good thing is that this stress is quite manageable; however, the big question is HOW?
So, let’s look at some practical ways to deal with stress.
1. Sort the Legal Matters First
Some moms and children sustain injuries during the birth process. It could be a minor nick or a more complicated situation. Seeing your child in pain and being unable to help can cause severe stress. If your child was injured during the birth, and you feel it’s the doctor’s or hospital’s fault, you may have a case of medical malpractice.
It’ll only add to your stress if you don’t deal with it at your earliest. So, find legal help at the Birth Injury Justice Center and get started on your case.
2. Get Help from Family and Friends
You have a lot to do and very little time to do it all. So, take some help from your friends and family. Let them pitch in where they can. For example, if someone offers to babysit, take them up on it. If your mother wants to come over and cook dinner, let her. It will free up time for you to rest or take care of other things.
Some moms find it helpful to have a caretaker for the first few weeks. This way, they can focus on healing and spending time with their baby without all the stress of managing everything else.
3. Unwind
Spending day after day dealing with new responsibilities can feel burdensome. You may feel like you lost your individuality and became just a ‘mom.’ The irritation of not living the life you used to may affect your relationship with your newborn and your partner.
So, unwind whenever you can. Take some ‘me time.’ Maybe have a girls’ night out or go for a solo movie.
4. Make Time for Your Partner
It’s natural for you to feel like you’re the most stressed out. And why not? It was you on that delivery table. But your partner is also going through a tough time. They’re trying to be strong for you and be there for the baby. But all this comes at a cost.
So, make time for your partner, even if it entails cuddling in bed or going out for a quick coffee. It’ll mean the world to them and help you feel more connected and less stressed. You can also try some bonding activities like yoga or reading together.
5. Express Yourself
Expressing your worries and concerns is crucial to ensure stable mental health. But often, new moms bottle everything up because they think they have to be strong. They don’t want to burden their partner or family with their stress. It only makes things worse.
So, find an outlet to express yourself. Join a support group for new moms or talk to a therapist. You can even vent to a trusted friend. Just make sure you’re expressing more than just baby-related concerns.
6. Include Some Exercise in Your Routine
A post-delivery body and sleep deprivation can make you feel low on energy. So, it’s natural for you not to feel like exercising. But did you know that exercise is one of the best stress-busters? It helps release endorphins, which make you feel good.
So, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or some light stretching, ensure you include some exercise in your routine. If you’re aiming to strengthen muscles and get your energy back, start with some basic post-natal exercises.
7. Laugh More Often
Laughter is the best medicine, they say. And it’s true. When you laugh, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. It’s incredible how these magic hormones can improve your mood and reduce stress. As a result, you’ll feel lighter and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
So, make an effort to laugh more often. Watch funny movies, listen to comedy podcasts, or scroll through funny memes. You could also spend time with friends who make you laugh.
8. Eat the Right Foods
You might still be in the habit of eating whatever you want. But now that you’re a mom, you must fuel your body with the right foods. Eating junk food will only make you feel sluggish and stressed. So, ensure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain nutrients like vitamin C and magnesium, which help reduce stress. Eating small meals throughout the day will also help keep your energy levels up.
Final thoughts
Healing from childbirth and adjusting to motherhood takes time. So, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, try to take things one day at a time. And when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that this phase will eventually end. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your baby in the best way possible. Successfully managing stress will make this phase more bearable for you and help you bond better with your little one.
