Time Out

Being a new mother may be one of the most demanding jobs you’ve ever had. It is sometimes also difficult to figure out how to take “time out” for mom! Here are a few thoughts and tips.

Being a new mama can be magical! It also can get overwhelming with all of your new responsibilities, chores, lack of sleep and generally figuring out how to understand and integrate this new bundle of joy into your household! It can often seem like an endless cycle of diapers, nursing, burping, rocking, cleaning etc. As a childcare expert we know that it is crucial to find mommy time out in order to achieve a happy and balanced life with baby.

Often young mothers don’t realize how exhausting and time consuming looking after a baby can be. Did you ever hear about the football team that was exhausted after running after a toddler all day? Managing a whole corporation can sometimes seem easier than adjusting to a new baby. So how does one do this?

In order to avoid overload, depression and loss of identity a new mom needs to find a balance and that means time out for mom, husband time, friends and family time. You need a support network. Enlisting help can be the best way to ensure time out. It use to be that we were surrounded by family who all chipped in to help. This is no longer the case for so many. We don’t always have the support of family and friends. It is necessary for your overall well being to structure some time into your days/weeks where you schedule in advance a babysitter. Teamwork between partners can allow for this to happen as well. Negotiate designated “me time” to get your hair done, go for coffee with friends, or just for a walk by yourself. Even grocery shopping with out baby in tow can be a blessing some times!

Neglecting yourself after a baby comes can lead to isolation,  low self esteem and sometimes depression. Taking time out for ourselves as woman is often not easy. But unless we replenish ourselves we will not have enough to give.

Here are our suggested tips:

1. Sleep when the baby sleeps. This is so important especially the first few weeks after the baby is born.

2. Start a babysitting club with friends. Share the responsibility so you can give each other a break.

3. Join a mothers group. It is nice to talk with others that are going through what you are experiencing.

4. Exercise, it helps you cope. Even going for a walk with baby in tow can be a great workout.

5. Take a long hot bath. Swap the rubber ducky for a glass of champagne and feel like an adult again.

6. Hire someone to help with the housekeeping. It will be the best money you spend.

7. Make time for some self care. A massage (even if your husband does it which can be fun !) , get your hair done, nails anything that makes you feel human again.

8. Visit the library and take out books for you and the baby

9. Go out for dinner with your husband. If you can’t leave the baby put them to sleep in the stroller, but go!

10. Cherish yourself.

Please send us your tips for coping as a new mobile mom. How do you take time out for you?