12 Practical Self-Care Hacks For Newbie Moms
Having a baby turns your life upside down literally. However, being a new mom should not prevent you from taking care of yourself. Here are some easy self-care hacks that will make mom-life easier.
5 Minute Facial
Keep your skin smooth and vibrant by using the oil cleansing method. Take a dime size amount of organic coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. Massage into your face, wipe off using a wet, warm washcloth. No need to use a separate moisturizer, spritz your face with rose water and you are done!
Massage Your Breasts
Massage your breasts during breastfeeding sessions, use a warm washcloth to soothe the aches and to prevent mastitis.
Soothe The Pain
Spritz a clean, sanitary pad with water and witch hazel, place it into a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer. Use your homemade “padsicle” whenever you need to soothe your perineum.
Cabbage Leaf Hack
To reduce the pain and inflammation from breastfeeding, cup your breasts with clean cabbage leaves.
Relieve Tired Feet
Ask your partner, friend or family member to prepare a quick foot bath for you. Two tablespoons of Epsom salts and a drop of lavender oil into some warm water will relieve your aching feet and reduce any swelling you might have. Dip your feet during breastfeeding sessions, relax and enjoy!
Meditation
Listen to guided meditation audio clips on YouTube whenever you get the chance. Perfect time, when you are feeding your baby or when you are relaxing in the bathtub.
Drink Fennel Tea
If you had a Caesarean Section, you might be suffering from trapped wind. Fennel tea is the perfect natural remedy for this. Drink it three times a day to relieve the pain and reduce that gassy feeling.
For Tired Eyes
Put your pantyliners to good use by dipping them into aloe vera gel and putting them in the fridge. Place them over your eyes to reduce redness and puffiness.
Essential Oils
Keep lavender oil on hand for relaxation, orange oil for energy boosting and peppermint oil for mental clarity. A few drops mixed with water in a spray bottle can make all the difference. Spritz your pillow or place a few drops on a handkerchief. Sniff whenever you feel the need to.
Get Your Nature Fix
Spend a few minutes in nature whenever you get the chance. Scientific studies indicate that ten minutes spent in nature each day can boost mental clarity and reduce inflammation.
Listen to Books
If you are a book lover, get yourself a pair of Bluetooth headphones and listen to your books via Audible. Get your literary fix in a while breastfeeding, chilling out or having a bath.
Mom and Baby Exercise
Working out and keeping your body active is self-care, stay active by doing a few mom and baby workouts whenever you get the chance. When you are sitting down breastfeeding, squeeze your thighs together, raise your heels, hold for a few seconds and relax. If you have been given the all clear by your general health practitioner, do baby-weight squats, and lunges, as well as baby arm raises. Lift your baby up, extend your arms up and bring them back down again.
Self-care is important, taking care of yourself will boost your energy levels, improve your mood and it will enhance your overall experience as a new mom.