How to Care For A Newborn While Not Neglecting Yourself

When you found out you were pregnant, your whole life changed. You couldn't help but feel many emotions throughout this journey. Feelings of joy and nervousness rippled through you. You were excited about this new chapter and scared of it while learning to let go of your old life.

Bringing your newborn baby home likely did not change any of that. While you can't help but feel proud and excited for this new chapter, it's not a walk in the park. Taking care of a newborn comes with many lifestyle changes and uncertainties. You are responsible for someone who relies on you for everything, and it's scary. You devote every minute of every day to this wonderful miracle you call your child.

Many new parents struggle to balance caring for their newborn and themselves. Welcome to parenthood. Nobody said it would be easy, but it is worth it.

How to Care For A Newborn While Not Neglecting Yourself

Go Back To Basics

You don't exactly have time to do the things you like regularly. You might not be able to go do whatever you want anymore. Your self-care practices might have once involved a day at the spa, shopping, or curling up with a good book for hours on end.

Finding time for these things occasionally will help you feel more relaxed as a parent. However, more than anything right now, self-care is returning to the basics.

Each day, for starters, you should ensure that you eat balanced and well-rounded meals. If you have time, prepare simple meals that are easy to heat up or eat cold. Giving your body the nutrition it needs will help you to feel more energized throughout the day. Remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Which can help prevent headaches, among many other things.

Small Breaks Are Key

You'll likely be hard-pressed to find a massive chunk of time to relax. Even when your baby sleeps, you'll still need time to clean, cook, or respond to people. There aren't enough hours in the day for everything, that's for sure.

Even if it's just for 5 minutes at a time, prioritize taking a break and letting yourself breathe. Sit down and don't feel pressured to move on to the next task. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself small moments of peace in the middle of the chaos.

Try Not To Isolate Yourself

Life is busy, and suddenly, you don't have any time to meet up with friends for a meal or spend loads of time on social media. Being a new parent, unfortunately, can be an isolating experience.

When you find time, send quick texts to that friend you haven't spoken to. Give your family members a phone call. In most cases, everyone will understand that you are juggling a new way of life and that your newborn comes first now. Even if you aren't able to reply to them right away, they'll still appreciate knowing you thought about them. On that note, though...

Don't Feel Pressured To Entertain

You have a great support system with family or friends. Everyone is excited for you and can't wait to meet the little one. Sadly, new parents often feel pressured into entertaining and having guests over frequently to have these meet-and-greets.

While you want to provide that, you also need to prioritize the health of your newborn and your own mental health. As hard as it may be, you have every obligation to tell people that right now isn't a good time for a visit. Setting boundaries like that can be difficult, but it is necessary.

If you are struggling as a new parent, don't hesitate to reach out for support through postpartum therapy. Remember that this time is a transition period, and you don't need to have it all figured out.