As exciting as it is to become a new mom, it can also be hectic, stressful, and downright exhausting. Some of the things to be prepared for are getting less than six hours of sleep per night, changing at least 5 diapers per day, and doing nonstop laundry. With all the added tasks and little time to rest, it’s no wonder that new moms often neglect their self-care. And as women, we all know how hard that can be on our mental and physical health. So, before taking that last trip to the hospital and bringing home your tiny bundle, take some time to prepare yourself and your home for what’s to come.
Get organized ahead of time.
The first thing to do is to get your house in order. Of course, you probably won’t need to be reminded to do this since pregnant women naturally go through a “nesting period” toward the end of their third trimester. This is a time when all they want to do is clean and organize. But it’s a good idea to start the process as soon as you find out you’re expecting. Even though you’ll probably still have some surprises, this will help you be prepared for almost anything.
There are plenty of obvious things you’ll want to be prepared for, but one that you may not think about is photo organization. In case you haven’t realized it yet, you and your family members will probably take hundreds of photos and videos of the new baby. This is especially true if it’s your first. And with the majority of images probably being snapped on smartphones and tablets, this is the best way to set up one central location to store them in so they won’t get lost. WD cloud drives are an excellent solution for this. They are hard drives that work with your existing router connected to your home Wi-Fi. This is an easy way for everyone in your house to send all the digital content from their mobile devices to cloud storage until you’re ready to organize, print, or send them.
Take care of your mental health.
New moms tend to put themselves on the back burner while taking care of everyone else. But it’s extremely important not to neglect your mental health. Pay particularly close attention to any postpartum symptoms you might be experiencing, including depression and stress. These are real disorders that can quickly lead to worsening symptoms if not properly cared for. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unable to care for yourself or your newborn, it’s important to seek help.
It’s also important to take simple measures to prevent overwhelm from the very beginning. For example, check with your doctor about natural remedies you can start to use now for relaxation. They might suggest an organic non GMO CBD oil to help you manage stress or a blend of natural vitamins to give your mind and body what they need. A good CBD product will also help with things such as pain relief and inflammation. And if you’re breastfeeding, just make sure your CBD oil is free of THC.
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any CBD products.
Find ways to feel good about yourself.
Pregnancy is beautiful, but ask almost any woman in their third trimester and they’ll tell you that’s the last thing they feel. With swelling ankles, sleepless nights, and hemorrhoids, you might feel tired, cranky, and just plain yucky for a while. But there are a few small things you can do for yourself that help a lot of women. For one thing, stock up on your favorite at-home beauty products. Herbal scrubs, avocado masks, and manicure supplies can really help you feel pampered. But don’t skimp on these supplies. You deserve the highest quality and should value what you put in and on your body. Look for the most natural ingredients. Look for companies like the one that manufactures the TrySprig nail buffer. These products are infused with Hot Springs minerals blends, which are good for the body and safe for anyone.
Learn to accept help.
Another difficult thing for a new mom to do is to accept help when they need it. But keep in mind that you’ll likely never have the amount of help offered as you will during your newborn’s first month of life. Friends and family are excited to gather and get to know the precious new baby, so do yourself a favor and take advantage of it. And if you don’t want to give up time with your baby or have a lot of people in your house, remember that babysitting isn’t the only way they can help.
Let them help with laundry, errands, and meal prep. Use your time to bond with your new child and relax as much as you can. Of course, along with this comes a lot of advice — some wanted and some unwanted. And the main thing to remember is that you’re not here to please everyone. Use your best judgment and trust your own instincts when filtering all the words of wisdom that are sure to come your way.
