11 Easy Yet Brilliant Self-Care Tips For First-Time Mums

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1. Don't rush to return back to your "normal life".

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Labour puts a huge amount of stress on you, both physically and mentally. Allow yourself time to lounge around with your baby as much as you'd like, and just enjoy the time spent with your newborn – everything else can wait. The most important thing is letting yourself rest and recover from labour.

2. Set a sleep schedule to ensure you get enough rest.

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"Sleep when the baby sleeps" is common advice for new mums, but some women find it hard to take naps throughout the day. If you're one of these people, try to work out a sleep schedule that works for you to ensure that you're actually getting enough hours each day. For example, going to bed when your baby does in the evening, and going back to sleep with them after their morning feeding.

3. Get clothes to fit your postpartum body.

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A few weeks before your due date, try to go out and buy clothes you can wear postpartum. It'll most likely take a few months before you can fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, and having outfits you feel comfortable in will make a massive difference in how you feel in your day-to-day.

4. Have a postnatal massage in your home.

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Not only are postnatal massages a great way to care for yourself after labour, they can also really help in relieving stress and alleviating the tension your body experiences post-birth.

5. Establish a daily routine that works for you.

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Setting a routine can be really helpful in maintaining your sanity as a new mum, especially as you're getting accustomed to the realities of motherhood and are recovering from labour. For example, schedule a specific hour for lunch to make sure you don't forget to eat.

It's going to be pretty much impossible to stick to any routine you do establish at all times – and that's totally OK. Having some sense of structure in your day will help you stay on track and keep your mind at ease.

6. Include whole foods in your diet to keep your energy levels stable.

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To help your body recover after birth and to keep your energy levels up, try to eat healthy, whole foods where possible, like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Examples of nutritious and low-effort meals include: a baked potato with tuna, a cheese and veggie omelette, or a pitta filled with hummus and salad.

It's also important to include a decent amount of protein in your diet everyday, especially when you're breastfeeding. Examples of high-protein foods are chicken, fish, lentils, eggs, cheese, nuts, and Greek yogurt.

7. Find other brand-new mums to share your experiences with.

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Socialising with other new mums can be incredibly helpful during the early stages of motherhood. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that everyone else is parenting a lot better than you are – and meeting other mums can help you put things into perspective and realise that everyone else feels the same.

There are lots of different types of mother-and-baby groups out there, from workout classes to group therapy sessions. You can ask your midwife or health visitor for information on groups in your area.

8. Don't feel embarrassed to ask for help.

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It can be easy to put pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly all alone, but all mums need help. Find a support system to ensure you have time for self-care, whether that's friends, family, or a babysitter. It's also a great idea to familiarise someone you trust with yourself and your baby early on, to make it easier if you ever need to rely on them in case of an emergency.

9. Rest and relax in a way that works for you.

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Maybe you're the kind of person who finds getting a manicure relaxing, or maybe that's really not your thing. Find a way to treat yourself that feels right for you, whether that's getting your hair done, seeing a show, or getting a treat from your favourite bakery.

10. Accept and express any negative feelings.

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It's really common to have some negative moods and feelings in the first few weeks after birth. The challenges of motherhood, combined with anxiety about your baby's wellbeing can be overwhelming. What's important in these moments is leaning on people you trust – even just in having people to vent to.

11. Your personal space is (still) super important.

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Taking time for yourself is good for you and your baby. Don't feel guilty about doing what you need to help yourself recharge – whether that's unplugging for a bit or spending time on a hobby you love. You obviously won't have as much time to spend on your interests as you used to, but dedicating some time to them will help refamiliarise yourself with you – and ultimately make you a better parent to your child.

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