Congratulations, new mom! You’ve successfully brought a beautiful little baby into the world, and now it’s time to embark on an exciting journey that will change your life forever.
The postpartum period can be a challenging time for new moms. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed out as you navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn.
But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to prioritize self-care and make this time a little bit easier for yourself.
This is why I decided to put together this list of must-have things every new mom needs for themselves during the postpartum period. From physical needs like comfortable clothing and healthy snacks, to emotional needs like support networks and relaxation techniques, we’ve got you covered.
Being a new mom can be tough, but it’s also important to take the time to care for yourself so that you can be the best possible mom to your baby. For the baby to be okay, the mama needs to be okay. Therefore, even in the midst of chaos, it helps to prioritize your self-care and self-love.
So, whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, we invite you to sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the top 20 things new moms need for themselves.
Taking care of yourself physically after giving birth is crucial for your overall health and well-being as a new mom. Here are some of the essential physical needs that new moms should prioritize during the postpartum period.
Comfortable clothing. After giving birth, your body is going to go through a lot of changes, so it’s important to have comfortable clothes that fit well and accommodate your new shape.
Nipple cream. Breastfeeding can be tough on your nipples, so having a good nipple cream on hand can help soothe and heal any soreness or cracking.
Breast pads. Leaking is a common issue for nursing moms, so having breast pads to absorb any excess milk can help you avoid embarrassing leaks.
Maternity bras. A good maternity bra will provide the support you need while your body adjusts to breastfeeding and can help prevent engorgement and mastitis.
Perineal care products. If you had a vaginal birth, you’ll want to have perineal care products like witch hazel pads, numbing sprays, and sitz baths to help soothe any pain or discomfort.
Healthy snacks and water bottles. As a new mom, you’re going to need plenty of energy to keep up with your little one, so having healthy snacks and water bottles nearby can help keep you fueled and hydrated.
Postpartum recovery essentials. From padsicles to peri bottles, there are a lot of postpartum recovery essentials that can help make your recovery a little bit easier. Be sure to stock up on these items before you give birth so that you’re prepared when you come home from the hospital.
Emotional Needs
The postpartum period is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. It’s important for new moms to prioritize their emotional needs during this time in order to promote overall well-being and a positive experience.
Here are some of the key things to plan and prepare:
Support network. Having a support network of family, friends, or other new moms can be essential for emotional well-being during the postpartum period. It’s important to have people to talk to and lean on for support when things get tough.
Alone time. While having a support network is important, it’s also important to have time to yourself to recharge and relax. Taking even just a few minutes to yourself each day can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Journal or therapy. Journaling can be a great way to process your emotions and work through any issues you may be facing. Alternatively, seeking out a therapist or counselor can provide you with professional support and guidance as you navigate this challenging time.
Body-positive affirmations. It’s easy to feel self-conscious about your postpartum body, but it’s important to remember that your body just did an incredible thing by bringing a new life into the world. Practicing body-positive affirmations can help you feel more confident and accepting of your postpartum body.
Relaxation and stress relief techniques. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, a spa day, or a warm bath, you need a moment to relax. Finding relaxation and stress relief techniques that work for you can be essential for emotional well-being during the postpartum period.
Mental health resources. It’s important to be aware of the mental health resources available to you, whether that’s a support group, a therapist, or a crisis hotline. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Time Management Needs
Time management is a critical aspect of life for new moms, especially during the postpartum period. Between the needs of a newborn and trying to take care of oneself, it can be challenging to juggle everything effectively.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind and prepare for:
Sleep aids. With a newborn, getting enough sleep can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some sleep aids that can help you get the rest you need. For example, using a noise machine can help block out external sounds that may disrupt your sleep. Investing in a comfortable pillow that supports your neck and head can also make a big difference in the quality of your sleep. Additionally, using an eye mask can help block out light and create a more conducive environment for sleep.
Meal prepping and delivery services. As a new mom, you may find meal preparation to be a time-consuming task. It can be challenging to cook nutritious meals while tending to your baby’s needs. Meal prepping and delivery services can offer you a convenient solution, allowing you to enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing your valuable time and energy.
Cleaning services. As a new mom, it’s important to take care of yourself and your baby. Keeping a clean home can be stressful and time-consuming, but it’s crucial to prioritize rest and self-care. A cleaning service can help alleviate this burden, giving you more time to relax and bond with your baby. By outsourcing your cleaning needs, you can reduce stress and feel more at ease in your home, allowing you to focus on what really matters – taking care of yourself and your little one.
Time-saving apps and tools. From scheduling appointments to managing to-do lists, there are numerous apps and tools available to help you manage your time more effectively. These can include baby-tracking apps, meal-planning apps, and time-management apps that can help streamline daily tasks and responsibilities.
Personal assistant services. As a new mom with busy schedule, personal assistant services can provide an extra set of hands to help manage daily tasks and responsibilities. These services can include help with grocery shopping, errands, and scheduling appointments.
Entertainment Needs
As a new mom, it can be easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of caring for your baby and forget to take some time for yourself. But now more than ever, you need to keep yourself entertained to maintain your sanity.
Here are five entertainment items that can provide a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood:
Books. Reading can be a great way to relax and escape into a different world for a little while. Whether it’s a gripping novel or a self-help book about parenting, there’s something for everyone.
Streaming service subscription. A subscription to a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ can provide hours of entertainment during those late-night feedings or quiet moments when the baby is napping.
Puzzle or board games. Puzzles and board games can be a fun way to pass the time and bond with family or friends. They’re also a great activity to do solo during naptime or when the baby is being cared for by someone else.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo
Podcasts or audiobooks. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to multitask while caring for a baby. You can listen while feeding, rocking, or taking a walk with the stroller.
Craft supplies. Some new moms may enjoy getting creative with their hands during quiet moments. Craft supplies like knitting needles, yarn, coloring books, or paint sets can provide a fun and relaxing outlet.
Conclusion
Becoming a new mom is a life-changing experience, and it’s important to prioritize your needs in addition to those of your baby.
Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather an essential part of being able to care for your baby. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help, seek out resources, and make time for self-care.
3 thoughts on “20 Things New Moms Need for Themselves”
Comments are closed.