November 16th, 2021
By Sophia Smith
Guest Writer for Wake Up World
From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant, your little one’s well-being takes the center stage. You’re encouraged by those around you to learn as much as you can about childbirth, breastfeeding, and taking care of your little bundle of joy so you can ensure you’re well-prepared for your new role as a mother.
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But the one thing that’s often left out when talking about welcoming a baby is that it’s not just a physical but also a mental transition that the mother has to process. From taking care of her mental health to handling life’s rhythm changes, pressures, and postpartum depression, there are so many other things a new mom has to deal with, and she needs to know how to do so effectively.
With that in mind, here are a couple of useful tips on how to plan for a positive and mindful postpartum journey and enter this new stage of life with confidence.
Maintain and protect your mental health
The postpartum period can be a tumultuous one, especially during those first couple of days of motherhood. You’re still getting used to the idea of being a mother, there are hormonal changes taking place, and your routines have shifted dramatically. All this can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, often starting as baby blues, and sometimes leading to postpartum anxiety and depression.
One way to manage these feelings and remain positive in the upcoming period is to rely on various techniques that will help protect and maintain your mental health. Meditating can be effective for banishing stress and controlling mood swings, while exercising on a daily basis can help boost both physical and mental health. Keeping a journal is also a good way to keep your emotions in check and create a feeling of balance during such a turbulent period.
Make time for your significant other
All the changes and struggles that take place during a postpartum journey can make it easy for new mothers to neglect their partner. Instead of letting the relationship with your loving SO take a back seat, try to include your partner in the process as much as possible. After all, they, too, are new to the role of a parent, and it’s best if you work together and communicate as much as possible once the baby arrives. Your and your partner’s feelings need to be validated, and you could both use each other’s support after the baby arrives, so remember to make time for them, too.
The truth is, many partners aren’t exactly sure what they need to do to make the process a bit easier for a new mom. Instead of expecting them to meet your needs without directly addressing them, communicate your thoughts clearly, and let them help however they can.
Rely on other moms for support and advice
A new mom needs a support team by her side, and this is especially true for first-time moms who are new to the role of a mother and may experience feelings of self-doubt, loneliness, or isolation. Sharing your experience with others and using all the support you can get is crucial at this stage.
Sometimes, this can be as simple as downloading the popular Mumli app for moms and connecting with other new moms who are going through the same. Apps like these can help you learn how to manage your time as a mom more easily and navigate this complex and all the duties that come with it more effectively and sans the judgy vibes. All this will make your journey to motherhood a little less stressful and a lot more manageable.
Set clear boundaries from the get-go
While having supportive friends and family is essential during this turbulent period, the truth is, not everyone is familiar with the new-parent etiquette. Some of those visiting you post-birth may offer unsolicited advice, and others may bring negativity into your life. This is definitely not something a new mother wants or should be surrounded with.
To eliminate unnecessary stress and prevent conflicts, make sure to set clear boundaries with friends and family from the get-go by making it clear how you want to be supported. Doing this while you’re still pregnant will help you ensure a tranquil environment in which you and your family can thrive once your little bundle of joy arrives.
Wrapping up
There’s no doubt that the postpartum journey can be tough on new moms. But as demanding and challenging as it may feel, the postpartum journey is also an incredible experience that’s filled with moments of joy and happiness that you’ll cherish for years to come. Rely on the tips above, and you’ll manage to make the most of your motherhood journey and ensure a positive postpartum experience.
About the author:
Sophia Smith is a lifestyle blogger, graphic designer and food enthusiast. She is very passionate about eco-friendly and green topics, sustainable fashion, eco beauty, and conscious business. Sophia’s other hobbies centre around her love for yoga, wellness rituals and living in balance with nature. She loves sharing meaningful content that inspires people and has covered topics ranging from organic beauty products and sustainability to self-care and mental health.
Sophia has contributed to a number of publications including Longevity Live, Naughty Nutrition, Herbs Mother Earth Living, Sivana Spirit, Urban Naturale, Awaken, Carousel, Literally Darling and Cause Artist.
You can find out more about her writing by following her on Twitter (@sophia_bri)
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