3 Tips for Baby Mamas (and what the rest of us can learn from them)

I recently reached out to moms of babies to pick their brains about what helps them take care of themselves in this tricky season. I got some great responses! Even if your kids are older, there's a lot to learn here.

#1: Embrace the mindset, "You're only as efficient and effective as you are cared for and well."   - Katie, mom of 3 and founder of First Day Doula

Efficiency and effectiveness come not from bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy pace, but from slowing down, lowering your expectations, and putting yourself on the list of people to care for. (See #3 for how-tos.)

Takeaway for the rest of us: Ignoring your own needs only takes you so far. Taking regular breaks will help you get more done with a better attitude.

#2: "Even though my daughter prefers me, and I am the only one that feeds her, she has other capable caregivers in her life. Sneaking away for a couple hours in the evening or between feedings is so nice and baby will be fine with Dad, Grandma, etc. Don't keep all the burden for yourself."   - Karelisa, mom of a 5 month old

This is so good. Do you play an essential role in your baby's life? YES. But are you the only, single one who can take care of him/her? NO! Chances are, there are other people in your baby's life who would be glad to give you the chance to take a nap, take a shower, or just stare at the wall for while. Ask them!

Takeaway for the rest of us: Share the work of child-raising. It's good for our kids to learn there are multiple people in their lives who care about them.

#3: "Small, humanizing actions make a huge difference...like mentally asking:

• Have I eaten enough/eaten something that made me feel nourished today?
• Have I had a glass of water yet?
• Have I gone outside at least once, even to check the mail?

​And then just slowly giving yourself one more humanizing thing on the list. Take a shower (it's ok if your baby cries, even though that is hard!), put on daytime clothes, take a nap (oh man was that hard for me- I didn't want to miss out on my 'free time'!), and so forth."   - Jenisa, mom of 1

​Takeaway for the rest of us: Taking better care of yourself doesn't have to be a full-on, overnight, life makeover. Maybe it starts as simply as filling your water bottle and setting it out for the next day. Baby step after baby step can lead to big things.

Want more self care encouragement, tips, ​and real-life stories?

Subscribe to my mailing list for thoughtful updates once every two weeks.
*No spam or junky stuff, promise!