by: Leslie Campos, wellparents.com
Being a new parent is one of the most challenging roles you can fill. If you’re a new parent who is breastfeeding, that role can feel even more stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed but you can reduce some anxiety by making self-care a top priority.
Need some ideas for how to fit self-care into an already busy feeding schedule? Then these practical and surprisingly simple tips may help!
Treat Yourself to Some Small Comforts
Look, breastfeeding is hard work. Actually, every aspect of caring for a growing baby can be stressful and emotionally taxing, so you really do need extra self-care right now! That self-care can be basic, like getting quality sleep when you can sleep or keeping your body moving, or it can involve picking up a few products that will provide some extra comfort.
These self-care treats can include buying comfy new clothing that will keep you looking as good as you feel. A bamboo nursing dress from Kindred Bravely could provide the convenience, comfort, and style you’re looking for, whether you need to pump on the go or simply feed your baby at home. Also be sure to check out cozy bras, tanks, pajamas, and loungewear.
Speaking of treats, you may also want to look for tasty snacks and teas that include ingredients that can help increase milk supply. Relaxing with a cup of lactation tea can be so soothing while munching on lactation cookies can be a productive way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Create More Relaxation Throughout Your Home
Have you given any thought to being gentle with your home? After all, your home is where you will do the majority of the feeding and caring for your little one. So, taking a few steps to ensure it is as safe and healthy as possible can be an effective form of self-care. You can begin by removing potentially harmful chemicals and choosing non-toxic products that are healthier for you and your baby, as well as your entire family.
In fact, most experts recommend replacing more traditional cleaning products with non-toxic options when you are pregnant, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue these gentle habits after your baby is born. Especially since the fumes and chemicals from many cleaners can cause irritation and discomfort that can make caring for your baby more stressful.
It can also be helpful to create a more soothing environment inside of your nursery so that you can feel calm and relaxed while breastfeeding. Reducing clutter is one way to do so and investing in compact furniture like a mini crib can help you keep this space clean and tidy if you live in a smaller home. Plus many mini cribs will easily convert into a bigger bed, which can help keep you from stressing out over your budget. Having a comfy chair can also make breastfeeding your baby in the nursery more convenient and relaxing.
Choose Your Sources of Support and Advice Wisely
Having support can also help keep you feeling grounded and balanced when you are breastfeeding. Unfortunately, you do have to be careful about where you look for that support since breastfeeding can be such a hot topic for parents. We’ll say it again: breastfeeding can be challenging for many moms and feelings of anxiety and guilt can be a very real part of this experience. Those feelings can be made worse by social media.
So if you are looking to social media for support, try following the accounts of empowering women who keep their messaging for new moms positive. These ladies offer real and raw accounts of what it feels like to be a mom which can help you feel less alone in your own struggles. You’ll also get some super helpful tips for breastfeeding and reducing stress.
Being a new parent is tough enough so remember to be kind and gentle to yourself. Find little bits of stress relief and self-care every day to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and challenges that come with breastfeeding. You deserve it!
If you would like more parenting and family tips like these, be sure to check out the most recent resources and articles from The Gentle Parenting Institute.
