Self-Care Tips for New Moms (or Moms-to-Be)

Having a new baby is one of life’s most exciting experiences, whether it’s your first or your fourth time with a newborn. Still, it’s never easy trying to recover your full physical function while also caring for a tiny human who cannot function without you.

That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself in addition to your baby. And if you’re about to be a new mom, you need to prepare in advance for all the stress and sleepless nights, in addition to the pure joy and overwhelming adoration. These self-care tips for new moms (and moms-to-be) can help you feel better. And Touro OB-GYN providers are here to help if new mom self-care isn’t enough.

Take care of your body

Regardless of the type of delivery, your body has experienced a lot throughout the course of pregnancy and giving birth. You need to take care of yourself and your recovering body so that you can have the energy to take care of your baby.

• Eat nutritious foods. The better you eat, the better you will feel. If you have time before giving birth, stock your freezer with healthy meals that are easy to heat up.
• Hydrate, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water to help you recover and support your milk supply.
• Sleep when your baby does. You need sleep more than you need clean laundry. It’s OK to let things go to protect your sleep hours.
• Talk to your doctor. Keep your follow-up appointments and make more if you need to. Being open about what you are experiencing can ensure your best physical recovery.

Take care of your emotional health

Research shows that new moms who took time away from their baby and partner felt calmer and more relaxed when they returned to caretaking. Taking self-care mom time for yourself does not make you a bad mother — and it might even make you a better one.

• Go out to lunch with a friend. Getting out of the house can help reset your mood.
• Go to church or bible study. If you have faith, now’s a great time to lean on it.
• Put on makeup or a cute outfit. Looking good can help you feel better about yourself.
• Take a long shower or soak in a bath. Relaxing with literally nothing to do is a free and easy reset.
• Take a walk or go to a class at the gym. Getting outside is a great mood booster, and so is exercise.
• Try creating a “mom self-care schedule.” Ask your partner or a trusted friend to take care of the baby at certain times or days. Planning this in advance before you give birth can help you from getting overwhelmed.

There are also lots of self-care for moms books that can offer advice for taking care of both you and your new baby.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Being a new parent can be challenging. Social media may make it look like all your friends—or celebrities you don’t know—are having the ideal post-pregnancy experience you are not. However, one glossy picture doesn’t show anything behind the scenes that made it look so perfect. Many new moms need help, whether from parents, friends or doctors.

The fact is, 1 in 9 mothers experiences postpartum depression. Some of those moms may not experience it after one pregnancy but will have it after another one. If you are having symptoms of depression or anxiety that have lasted for two weeks or more after giving birth, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feeling hopeless or sad
• Feeling no connection to your baby or just feeling numb
• Not eating enough
• Not wanting to get out of bed, even to care for your baby
• Uncontrollable crying
• Worrying that you might hurt yourself or your baby

Even if your struggles don’t fit the signs of postpartum depression, your Touro OB-GYN or primary care provider can help with your adjustment to new motherhood. Breastfeeding challenges, colic, pain after childbirth—we’ve seen moms through it all.