How To Stay Happy & Well After Your Baby Is Born

 

You just had your baby and are probably thinking to yourself now what? It’s a common thought and feeling to have after giving birth and going through this significant life-changing event.

A lot of your time will be spent caring for your new baby and adjusting to motherhood. Remind yourself that if you’re going to be able to care for your child properly that you have to also care for yourself first and foremost. You can’t let yourself get lost in the shuffle and neglect your needs. Learn what you can do to stay happy and well after your baby is born and not only survive this time in your life but thrive.

Invest in the Essentials

You can stay happy and well after your baby is born by investing in the essentials and what you’ll need to care for your child. Take the time to review the list of must own postpartum items and purchase anything that you don’t have yet for a more successful transition. It may have slipped your mind when you were pregnant but now is the perfect opportunity to stock up and get all you require to have a successful and fulfilling postpartum experience with your baby.  

Get Outside

You may be stuck at home a lot taking care of your new baby, especially if the weather is poor. However, fresh air and nature are good for your mental health and well-being. Therefore, commit to getting outside daily even if it’s for a few minutes. You should plan to especially when the sun is out and you can feel the warmth on your face. Being outside has a way of instantly improving your mood and helping you to forget about your to-do list while in the moment. Invest in a stroller as well so you can take your new baby out for walks and experience nature together.

Talk it Out

You may be feeling isolated and lonely as a new mum. Recognise when you’re feeling this way and then take action to work through your feelings and emotions. Don’t be afraid to open up and talk about what you’re going through and the thoughts you’re having. Let others in and see what advice or tips they have for you as you transition to becoming a new parent. Talking out your feelings will truly help you to work through what’s on your mind in a healthy manner and ensure you stay well and happy in the process of taking care of your baby.

Practise Daily Self-Care

It’s not enough to sprinkle in self-care here and there as you have time or feel like it. You must make time for daily self-care if you want to stay happy and well after your baby is born. You must focus on your needs and put yourself first even though you have a new child. It can be as simple as jumping in the shower each day, resting and taking a nap when the baby sleeps or getting a new book to read at night before you fall asleep. Make time for yourself and do what you love and put a smile on your face each day if you want to thrive in your new role. It’s all about making a priority list and making sure you schedule in “me” time to do as you please.

Revisit Your Career & Life Goals

You may have had to take a step back from your career and prior routine as soon as the baby arrived. It can be a frustrating and confusing time for you if you are someone who enjoys working and having a career. Therefore, sit down and take the time to revisit your career and life goals after your baby is born. Give it some time initially but then as soon as the baby is getting older you may want to make a change and focus on your ambitions for a while. Talk to your spouse about it and get on the same page so they can support you through this uncertain time.

Ask for Help & Find Support

You don’t have to go through motherhood alone or all by yourself. It may feel like you do if you’re always at home taking care of your child but you have to be proactive and reach out. Ask for help when you need it from friends and family members and admit when you need a break. Find support both online and offline and people who you trust and can turn to when you’re feeling down or need a pep talk. It may be as simple as taking a day to yourself or having your mum bring you over a home-cooked meal. Figure out what type of help you need and want and then ask for it.

Find Hobbies You Enjoy

Your baby is going to take up a lot of your time in the beginning. However, you still need to focus on yourself and what you love to do if you’re going to stay happy and well after your baby is born. It may help to find hobbies that you can do around the house or when the baby is sleeping to keep you busy. It may be that you want to dabble in photography, learn a new skill online, or start cooking more in the kitchen. Branch out and be creative and open to new ideas and see what fits well in your lifestyle and that you enjoy doing.

Stay Positive

A positive mindset goes a long way in keeping you happy and well after your baby is born. Some days are going to be harder than others and some you may just be trying to survive. Remind yourself that it’s okay and normal to have ups and downs and that motherhood is tough at times and a lot of work. Maintain a positive mindset by reading uplifting articles and affirmations and challenge negative self-talk and thoughts that try to enter your mind. It might also help to practise gratitude and keep a gratitude journal that you can write in and review what you’re thankful for often.

Relax & Enjoy Your Baby

What’s most important is that you try to relax and enjoy your baby as much as possible after they’re born. Cut back where you can and avoid trying to take on too much as you adjust to your new lifestyle. Remember that the time with your baby will go by quickly and they won’t stay little and young forever. Admire and acknowledge the milestone moments and when they smile or coo at you. Continue to remind yourself that you’re doing a great job and that being a mum isn’t easy. Take a lot of pictures and write down precious moments in a baby book. Enjoy the little things and be happy that you’ve been blessed with such a wonderful miracle.

Conclusion

These are a few practical and useful tips and ways you can stay happy and well after your baby is born. Focus on these areas and you’ll be sure to have a rewarding and gratifying experience as you enter this new stage in your life. Some days will be hard and others will be more manageable but you must stay level-headed and positive throughout the ups and downs to ensure you and your baby get off to the best start possible. Although motherhood may be trying at times it’s also supposed to be fun and satisfying so give yourself a break once in a while and take pleasure in these days because they’ll go by in the blink of an eye.