How can a New Mother Find Time for Herself?
Being a new mother is taxing – both physically and emotionally. Physical exertion arrives in the form of night time waking and feeds every three hours during the day and night. The mind and body goes through tremendous upheaval with childbirth and a lot of women are thus prone to post natal blues and depression. It seems that all they do 24×7 is change diapers, feed the child and rock the baby to sleep…………and a few hours later, the same cycle repeats itself!
It is of utmost importance that a new mother gets some respite and some time for herself – even if it is to read a book.
Use Adult Help Whenever Possible
Every new mother must take advantage of having other adult members in the family and relegate the infant to their charge in between nursing. Except for feeds, other adult family members can take charge of holding the baby or changing diapers. This time can be used to rest and re-charge batteries.
Sleep when the Baby Sleeps
Majority of babies tend to take a longer nap after their morning bath and feed. Mothers, too, should utilise this time to catch up on their nap as well. All new mothers must take frequents naps in order to remain energised for the night ahead.
Return to your Hobby
There will be pockets of time in the day when the baby is awake and does not need any specific attention. Use this time to pursue a hobby – reading, cooking, knitting, etc.
Daddy Time
Make sure that the dad gets his 8-hours’ of sleep so that he can take charge of the baby after the early morning feed and before he goes to office. This gives the new mother a chance to sleep-in and get an additional two hours of sleep …until the next feed!
