Motherhood can be an unforgettable journey for women of all ages – especially new mothers. While welcoming a baby into a family may bring much joy, it also comes with its share of risks which may compromise mental wellbeing.
New mothers may experience imbalances in their hormonal levels, leading to health complications. Recently, WHO reported that 13 percent of new moms experienced mental-related issues immediately postpartum.
One study revealed that new mothers may experience depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some new moms may experience posttraumatic stress disorder following labor or following its aftermath.
Additionally, you may experience changes in your sleeping pattern, an increase in body weight and symptoms which could indicate post-partum depression. While these scenarios might be true, they shouldn’t cause fear.
Working on your mental health helps keep you on top of things and even aids postpartum (after birth) recovery. Furthermore, doing so helps strengthen bonds between mother and baby.
Below are five encouraging mental health tips for new moms.
1. Sleep Well
Although you may lack the energy or strength for physical activities such as hitting the gym, restorative sleep will go far towards improving both your mood and cognitive skills.
Studies have revealed that new mothers who don’t get adequate rest are three times more prone to depression than those who rest better.
2. Seek Support Child birth is an exhausting journey that can put strain on both physical and mental wellbeing, so it is wise to find someone close – perhaps your spouse or close friend – whom you can confide in, discuss concerns with, or confide your fears in.
Communicating your feelings will provide a sense of relief and comfort; just keep communicating.
3. Find Joy in Hobbies
Being a mother can involve breastfeeding, changing diapers, and other tasks that could keep you from engaging in your favorite hobbies.
Make time for your favorite television shows, cinema, or amusement parks that you would like to visit – just don’t give up on yourself.
4. Limit social media
Social media can often be misleading and it may not be wise to compare yourself or your body against that of other new mothers on social media.
Or join groups on social media where moms discuss ways to speed postpartum recovery.
Staying engaged for too long could limit the amount of restful moments available to you.
Instead, it would be wise to prioritize building meaningful relationships in real life over social (virtual) media for now – and reap all its many health benefits as a result of temporarily leaving social media.
5. Set Realistic Goals Every new mom is different; while some prefer being active right away, others might take things slow and steady. Setting achievable goals can help all new moms succeed.
If this describes you, create a daily task list focusing on what needs to be accomplished while keeping it short and manageable.
Start by taking a nap, washing some dishes, resting and then having a cup of tea before taking on another task.
As a new mom looking to begin exercising, setting achievable and realistic goals should be the starting point.
6. Practice Self-Care
New mothers need to practice self-care along with enjoying their hobbies.
Self-care can be one of the best ways to maintain mental wellbeing after giving birth, particularly for mothers.
Relaxation activities for new moms might include massages, spa visits, dates, walks or painting.
7. Check in with Your Doctor
Always stay in contact with your physician regarding how you’re feeling; always remember there is medical help available if need be.
Ask the doctor for assistance in recognizing any symptoms of mental health conditions in new moms and ways you can address them.
If you suspect postpartum depression, immediately notify your physician and seek appropriate help.
Spend quality time with your baby. Breastfeeding provides numerous emotional advantages, which you can reap by spending quality time with your newborn. These mental health tips for new moms are extremely valuable and beneficial.