If you’re reading this, congratulations on becoming a mum! Here I’m delving into some top tips on how to be a happy new mum during the first year of motherhood.
It can be a little bit daunting becoming a parent for the first time. That’s why I’ve compiled some of my best tips for you during the first 12 months postpartum to help you stay relaxed, present and live your best life as a new mummy. Take whatever you want to from this information and leave the rest, as you know what’s best for you and your little one.
1. Prepare and research
Try to be as prepared as you can so you have an idea of what life with a baby is like during the first 12 months. Do as much research about babies, including their sleep habits, how much milk they need and how often do they feed etc.
There are a lot of things that even your closest friends and family won’t tell you, just because they have forgotten these details now their baby’s grown up. I highly advise you to get some contact numbers for local services and professionals. These can include your midwife, health visitor or specialist services that your family needs.
Related Post: How Do You Get Anything Done With A Baby?
2. Plan easy meals and prioritise rest when caring for a newborn
There are some practical ways you can manage getting through the first few weeks after delivery. This includes pre-planning what you will eat and stocking up on quick and easy meals. Your baby might be waking up frequently at night for a good number of months so make sure you prioritise your need to rest after having your baby.
3. You and your partner should help each other
New parents can prevent feeling overwhelmed by helping each other and caring for your baby together. Learn about raising a baby together from reading books and articles or attending parenting groups. This can help you to bond as a family.
Also, spend some time talking to each other about how you feel and go for walks. If family or friends offer to look after your baby for a short period, then take up their offer while spending some one to one time together with your partner.
4. Make self care part of your daily routine
Self care doesn’t have to mean an extravagant spa day. It can be a normal everyday activity such as talking to friends and family on the phone. In order to be a happy new mum, it’s important to look after yourself.
Here are 9 tips on how you can make that happen whilst caring for a new born baby:
- Look after yourself by resting when your baby rests and leave the housework
- Eat well (even if it’s just quick meals or regular snacks)
- Connect with family and friends
- Go easy on yourself because having a baby is a big change
- Be realistic with what you can achieve each day
- Do things you enjoy
- Talk to your partner about how you feel
- Speak to your health visitor about joining local mummy baby groups to connect with other mums
- Practice relaxation methods on a daily basis. An example could be using guided meditation following videos on Youtube or with mobile apps.
For more self care ideas, check out this post: 12 Easy Self Care Ideas For Mums.
5. Make time for hobbies and interests as a new mother
One reason why motherhood is stressful at times is because we are constantly rushing to get things done. Caring for little babies takes a lot of time! As a result of lack of time we place our interests, hobbies and even relationships as a lesser priority.
A tip for finding “me time” is to schedule it and don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from others to give yourself a break.
6. enjoy little moments with your baby
Make it a “must-do” everyday to step away from the mundane tasks and do something fun with your baby and something you can enjoy too. When your baby is a few months old you can start doing sensory activities with them.
Babies love things that they can touch or listen to. Play with fun things like bubbles or you can enjoy a bath together – here’s how.
Make use of local resources such as parent and baby groups or you can even just go out and get some fresh air together with your baby.
7. Re-think anxious thoughts
All new mums have anxious thoughts from time to time when it comes to worrying about their baby. I don’t think this ever completely goes away but a lot of times these thoughts are just in our head and nothing that’s likely to happen.
If you can become aware of your thoughts then you can work on changing them by thinking positive thoughts.
That’s 7 tips for how to be a happy new mum
So these are my tips on how to be a happy new mother. It’s not easy being a new mum but the most important piece of advice is to make time for fun and utilise people and resources to help you.
