Caring for Yourself as a New Parent: Mental Health Tips for New Moms
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It’s a journey filled with immense love and joy—but also sleepless nights, unending questions, and moments of doubt. While caring for your new baby takes center stage, prioritizing your mental health is equally vital. Healthy, supported parents create a nurturing environment for their child to thrive. Here are some mental health tips for new moms.
1. Nourish Your Body
Every time the baby eats, eat a snack and drink water. Your mind has primally focused on keeping your baby alive and this means you forget things, like to eat and drink. Nourishing your body is not only a necessity, it is self-compassionate. It’s teaching you that your needs can be met while your baby’s needs are being met.
Tip: Wherever you most commonly feed your baby (in your bed, on the couch, in the rocker), put a box of granola bars and bottled waters within arms reach.
2. Stay Connected with Your Partner
Parenthood can put a strain on relationships, as you adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Make time for regular check-ins with your partner on a daily or weekly basis.
Tip: Choose one day a week after the baby goes to bed and choose 10 minutes of connection over everything else. This can be quiet and cuddly or silly and talkative - y’all decide!
3. Get Moving When You Can
During the first week postpartum, most of your time should be spent in bed. During the second week, spend it around your bed. After this, get moving little by little. Physical activity boosts mood and energy levels. Even a short walk around the block with your baby in a stroller can help you reset mentally and physically.
Tip: Focus on movement that feels good, rather than any expectations placed on you. If stretching while the baby does tummy time is enough, great!
4. Attend Your Postpartum Follow-Up Appointment(s)
It can be tempting to skip your postpartum OB appointment, but it is such an important piece of recovery for yourself. Be honest about how you feel physically and mentally.
Tip: Have someone go with you and your baby to the appointment - they can stay in the waiting area or the car. This might be the first time you are away from your baby, but this shouldn’t be a reason to avoid your appointment.
5. Utilize Your Support Network
Support networks aren’t helpful if you don’t use them. Support looks different for each mother, whether you need help with house chores, remembering to eat, advice on baby care, or just a friend to text - you deserve to feel supported and cared for.
Tip: Start by receiving help one time - look at it as an experiment to see if you liked/disliked it. Then go from there!
Taking care of your mental health as a new parent isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you nurture yourself, you’re better equipped to nurture your baby. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—support is always available, and it’s okay to ask for it.
You’re doing an incredible job. Be kind to yourself and take it one day, one moment, at a time.