The Importance of Self-Care For New Mamas

Finding time for yourself as a new mom can seem like a near-impossible task. In-between feeding, bathing, and sleeping there is barely any time to take a 5-minute shower, let alone a long, hot bath. If you can remember those pre-baby days, you’ll reflect on how a little self-care each day made you feel like a whole new person. Popping off to the gym, reading a few pages of your new book or simply treating your hair to leave-in conditioner made you feel revitalized and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

More than helping you feel better, studies suggest the same. Herbert Benson (MD and founder of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston) has conducted extensive research into what he calls the “relaxation response.” It shows that regularly engaging in a hobby such as knitting, playing music, meditating, or anything that breaks the train of everyday thought can induce anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory changes that combat stress in the body.

With this in mind, and now with your new bundle of joy in tow, it’s even more important to make me-time a top priority. Because, as we know, a happy mom equals a happy baby. To help new mamas out, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you squeeze in a little self-care into each day.

Walk This Way

Stretching your legs and getting some fresh air will do you the world of good. One of the easiest ways to do this is to put baby in a body wrap or stroller and hit the tar. Set yourself daily or weekly steps and monitor your progress on your phone, an exercise app or your smartwatch.

Love a morning smoothie or coffee? Why not walk there and back instead of driving.

Not only will walking each day help you get back into shape, but you’ll also be creating some very important quiet time to clear your mind. Better yet take your earphones with and listen to some music, a podcast or an audiobook for a twice as nice self-care ritual.

Big Night In

While a couple of hours spent at a spa or hair salon seems like some sort of distant (and expensive!) dream, there’s no reason you can’t create a little at-home spa pampering for yourself.

Ask your partner, friend or mom to come around once a week for a few hours and dedicate a weekly time slot for a little mom time session. We’re talking long bubble baths, moisturizing face masks, or treating your neglected locks to a little TLC.

Light a couple of scented candles, pour yourself a glass of wine and download some soothing tunes for the ultimate in-home spa experience. 

Start or Revive a Hobby

If relaxing isn’t your thing (yes, you know who you are) try to allow yourself a little downtime to play or keep your mind active. While it can be tempting to use the time when your baby naps to catch up on some lingering admin or that pile of laundry, rather take some time to: read your book, do a little bit of gardening, paint, knit or simply play with your pet. Applying your mind to something other than your bambino will help you unwind and refocus. 

Stick to Healthy Habits

You’ve heard it all before. Eat nourishing meals, drink enough water and get a good amount of rest. Now, these healthy habits are even more important when it comes to taking care of yourself as a new mom. Along with benefiting your body physically, making healthier choices will also boost your mental and emotional wellbeing too. Remember: Healthy body, healthy mind. 

Cinch Tummy Wrap

We know it’s hard to make yourself a priority but here at Cinch Tummy Wrap, we understand the importance of looking after yourself as a new mom. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted but making your mental and physical health a priority is a must for new moms. So, mama bears remember to be kind to yourself and trust us on the me-time.

Need another me-time tip? Did you know using our post-pregnancy belly wraps aid abdomen support, increase core stability, and strengthen your back and tummy muscles? On top of this, our pregnancy belly bands can also help to alleviate many uncomfortable post-pregnancy symptoms such as lower back pain, plus it also helps to improve your posture. A simple, easy step to help take better care of yourself.