Welcome to Mamahood, Mama! We know that being a new mum is an adventure and the hard work is only just beginning. Alone time, sleep and your normal wellbeing routine soon becomes a distant memory. As a Mama, you often put yourself last, making sure that everyone else is taken care of before yourself.
But, we’re here to help you introduce some calm and balance back into your life with our ultimate guide to self-care for new mums, so you can put yourself first for once. From cooking nourishing meals, staying active or taking 5 minutes out of your day to focus on your beauty routine. Keep scrolling to read our top tips for self-care for new mums…
1. Know that you’re doing a great job
Being a mama is tough, but you’re tougher! Know that you’re doing an amazing job, even if you don’t think you are! Be kind to yourself, you’ve been through a lot (you grew and gave birth to a child). Trust your instincts as no one knows your baby better than you. Who cares if you haven’t managed to brush your hair or put on makeup? You and your family are happy, healthy and taken care of and that’s all that matters. So, take a deep breath, relax and know that you’re doing the best you can and that’s amazing.
2. Talk to fellow mamas
During the early days with your newborn, you might be feeling a little isolated. This is totally normal, but talking to fellow Mamas who are going through/have been through similar experiences will help relax and settle your mind. There are plenty of ways you can meet other Mamas including postnatal groups, play groups and even social media.
Maybe you have a friend or relative who has recently had a baby or you met someone in your antenatal classes? If so, why not get in touch and arrange a time to meet up for a coffee or a walk with your babies?
3. Accept help
If family members, friends or your partner offer to look after your baby whilst you give yourself a break from mummy duties to do something you enjoy, accept it! Although it isn’t always easy to leave your baby, it’s important that you use this time to focus on yourself. Even if it’s just 30 minutes to go for a walk, have a nap or get a coffee. Your baby will be perfectly fine and taken care of without you for a little while. In fact, you’ll probably feel a lot better and more energised afterwards.
4. Stay connected with your partner
When all of your focus is on your little bundle of joy, it can be easy to forget to take some time out and connect with your partner. Set aside some time each day to sit down and spend some time together. Whether that’s eating dinner, watching tv or scheduling a date night once a week at your favourite restaurant whilst someone takes care of your baby.
5. Sleep when the baby sleeps
Top in our list of tips for self care for new mums. We know that catching your forty winks can be a bit difficult after giving birth to your little bundle of joy. When your baby sleeps, it might be tempting to catch-up on house work or other tasks, but sometimes getting some well-deserved rest is more important. So, when baby goes down for their afternoon nap, why doesn’t mama as well? If you’re worried about sleeping in for too long, set an alarm. Although, your baby will most likely wake you up when it’s time for their next feed!
6. Prepare nourishing meals
Healthy, wholesome foods are essential for pregnancy and new Mamas. However, with less time and energy on your hands, it isn’t always easy to eat well. Before your baby is born, try preparing some of your favourite delicious and nutritious meals that you’ll be excited to eat. Put them in the freezer, and then once baby has arrived you won’t need to think twice about cooking as you can just reheat and eat.
Always have healthy snacks to hand such as nuts, seeds, yoghurt, crackers and make sure that your fruit bowl is always full of your favourites to grab and go when you’re in a rush.
7. Try to stay active
There are endless benefits to keeping active and moving your body during and post-pregnancy. Being a new Mama requires a lot of energy, so it helps if you keep yourself fit and healthy. If you’ve recently given birth, make sure you wait a minimum of 6-weeks before beginning any exercise routine and 12-weeks for running. It’s best not to rush, but even just a 20 minute walk with baby in the pram will help give you a bit of a boost and help clear your mind.
8. Pamper yourself
How often have you said ‘I don’t have time for a shower or bath’? Chances are that you probably do, even if it’s just 5 minutes underneath the shower head, applying a face mask or spending a moment moisturising your whole body it can make the world of difference to how you look and feel.
During the fourth trimester (the first 12-weeks after you’ve had your baby) it’s important that you nourish your post-pregnancy body to help keep your skin looking and feeling radiant, protected and supple. We know that your body has changed, so we’ve got you covered with our expertly formulated, baby and breastfeeding safe fourth trimester products to help you take some time out to pamper yourself from head-to-toe. Supercharged with 100% natural plant-based ingredients and uplifting fragrances, choose from nipple and breast creams, soothing shower milks and moisturising body butters that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, smooth and radiant.
If you’re looking to treat a new Mama in your life, look no further than our Trimester 4 Bundle. The perfect new mum pamper gift set that contains everything you need to nourish and hydrate post-pregnancy skin, encouraging Mama to take some time out to relax, indulge in a little self care and even treat her new Mini!
Included in the set is our Megamama Shower Milk, packed full of omegas to intensely hydrate, refresh and gently cleanse dry skin leaving it feeling beautifully soft. Next, lock-in hydration and apply our bestselling and clinically proven* Tummy Rub Butter morning and night over your bump, below your boobs and all the way around. If your nipples are feeling a little sore and dehydrated, apply our vegan and breastfeeding safe Nipple Balm that contains a nourishing oil and butter blend of Shea Butter and Coconut Oil to provide instant comfort and relief to dry, cracked and sensitive nipples. Finally, alongside your Mama Mio goodies, is a sample of our Sweet Cheeks Moisturiser so when your little one is 3 months old they can indulge in some treat time, too!
*Tested on 30 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women with stretch marks, in a 4 week independent consumer trial.