The birth of a new baby is always a wonderful and exciting time for both parents and relatives. However, as exciting as it can be, it’s also terrifying, especially for first-time mothers. Navigating through motherhood and the thought of being responsible for a whole new human can be overwhelming, and that’s normal.
Many mothers pass through these emotions and feelings and have shared their tips and tricks. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time mother, here are four tips every new mom should know.
1. Find savvy beauty shortcuts.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, 1 in 9 women experience postpartum depression due to the physical and mental changes that body and mind go through during and after pregnancy. The WHO lists low self-esteem as one of the moderate predictors of postpartum depression in new mothers.
After the birth, it’s easy for mothers and everyone around them to focus all their attention on the baby. Most moms struggle with doing even the bare minimum, like brushing their hair or putting on lipgloss. Stained tops and sweatpants become their go-to look.
While giving your child your full attention is understandable, feeling and looking good as a new mom is equally essential. Admittedly, getting out of the mummy rot can seem like wishful thinking. However, to feel good in your new mom’s body and keep your self-esteem from crumbling, there are savvy beauty shortcuts you can adopt.
For instance, don’t beat yourself up if your jeans still don’t fit. Instead, invest in a new postpartum wardrobe that includes at least a dress and pencil skirt that gives you a flattering silhouette. These clothing items will hide your beautiful baby bulge and have you feeling like a diva despite the sleepless nights you may be going through.
2. Try to gain new skills.
While there’s no set-in-stone rulebook to what’s expected from a new mother, it’s always advisable that mothers prepare themselves for the worst-case scenarios to ensure their baby’s safety at all times. For instance, choking is a common issue among children under the ages of five in the U.S., and a mom’s ability to react quickly and effectively react before the arrival of first responders can a long way in saving her child’s life.
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that about 65% of infant deaths result from foreign objects, and moms who don’t prepare themselves for situations like these may inadvertently be putting their baby’s life in danger. How a mother reacts when a child starts choking will depend on her BLS or basic first aid training and skills. Therefore, as a new mom, you should enroll in a CPR course to learn about emergency cardiovascular care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Admittedly, you may not have the time or flexibility to attend physical CPR skills sessions. However, some training centers like AHA provide online training. So you can register for CPR online classes with them and gain your CPR certification at your own pace.
3. Develop a routine that includes caring for yourself.
The arrival of a newborn can be a chaotic time for many new mothers, and without a routine, every day will pan out to be the same, and you’ll find yourself exhausted and overwhelmed by the whole process. Caring for a child is no easy fit, and like every challenge in life, you need to have a plan and routine to organize the chaos.
A routine allows you to control your time and helps free up time for you to engage in other personal activities. The best way to set a routine is by first tracking your baby’s feeding, sleeping, and playtime. You see, babies are creatures of habit, and they develop their patterns early, which is a good thing.
When you have mastered their timings, assign between 10 to 40 minutes of each day to yourself. You can use this time to respond to emails, check in on yourself by journaling or workout. As a pro-tip, ensure that you invest in comfortable maternity leggings or yoga pants that allow you to switch between these activities with ease. For instance, a comfortable pair of maternity leggings made with breathable fabric that provides belly support and has plenty of stretch room will make an easy switch from loungewear to gym wear.
4. Maintain safe sleeping practices.
Most new mothers understand that their baby’s safety is a top priority, and this is why they invest time and effort into babyproofing their homes. However, only a few understand the importance of safe sleeping and the dangers of potential safety hazards to babies. For the safety of babies, mothers must ensure that they maintain safe sleeping practices.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers avoid crib bumpers, plush toys, and smoking in the sleeping area. Also, don’t offer your baby a pacifier at night, and avoid sleeping with the baby in your arms. These practices will help reduce the risk of suffocation, overheating, and strangulation. With these tips, you’ll be in good shape.
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