You've had a baby! Congratulations! But you're also in the first few weeks of postpartum, and that can be really hard: physically and emotionally. You are not just adjusting to being a parent, you are also recovering from pregnancy, labour and birth. You’re exhausted because there is so much love being poured out of you and onto this little person. Everyone else is loving on the baby but you may not be getting as much love as you deserve.
People around you are often focused on the baby. It is important to remember that early postpartum is a period of adjustment for everyone – not just babies. You may feel like you have to be SuperMom/Dad/Carer or that you're supposed to just deal with this and wait for it to pass. Early postpartum is a special time for bonding with your new baby, but there needs to be some room for self-care and individual attention as well. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your new family. And don't forget that you are important too!
This of course is easier said than done. It’s important to have a plan in place before baby comes so that you and your partner feel supported as you navigate through the early days. If you need support planning your birth and postpartum period, please reach out to book a planning session. We can help you set up meals, childcare, pet care, home care and emotional support.
Selfcare (self-care) is the process of tending to one's health and well-being. It is an integral part of positive mental health and a set of activities individuals undertake to promote their own physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual well-being. Choosing self-care interventions can make a positive difference in the quality of life for individuals, families, communities and societies at large.
It is important for you to set aside time for self-care, as this will help you to relax and recharge and then be ready to jump back into caring for baby. Your health and well-being are at the root of your happiness, so make sure that you are taking care of yourself not just your little.
Think about what makes you happy? What makes you feel rested? What makes you feel loved? Do little things for yourself and ask for those in your life to support you as you do that.
Remember that you deserve to feel loved by yourself and others. Just because you are a parent does not mean that you are no longer an individual outside of being a parent. Make time for silence, make time for joy and laughter. Make time for you <3
