Throughout the development of your pregnancy, your physician will focus more on different aspects of your physical health. To ensure that no complications arise during your pregnancy, the doctor will monitor your blood pressure, weight, and heart rate. It will also be vital to keep an eye on conditions like heart issues and diabetes.
But did you know that your mental health is also just as important as your physical health? You also need to prepare yourself for the stress brought by labor and delivery. According to experts, depression and anxiety can adversely affect your body, making it hard to deal with pregnancy.
Many new moms experience chronic postpartum depression, making them feel exhausted all the time. Do not set aside these symptoms. Be sure to give your doctor a call if you feel like something is not right. In line with that, here are some tips to help you stay mentally healthy after giving birth.
Mental Healthcare for New Moms
Indeed, your very first priority is taking care of your newborn baby. But you have to remember to take care of yourself too so you can look after your child better. The following methods will help you relax, reduce your stress levels, and boost your energy. And the best part is that they will help you become a more reliable parent.
Understand the Signs of Mental Health Problems
The more you learn about mental health issues for new mothers, the better. It will allow you to understand your situation more and give you the chance to get support as early as possible. Most new moms will discuss the symptoms of postpartum depression with their doctors right after giving birth. The signs will include extreme anxiousness, sadness, and lack of sleep. Postpartum depression will also make you feel more irritable and cause you to lack concentration.
If you’re experiencing the mentioned symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. There is no shame in admitting the effects of pregnancy on you. You might need to undergo therapy, join a support group, or get a prescription to overcome depression.
Take Care of Yourself
Most new moms neglect safe care mainly because they need to tend to the little ones. But setting aside self-care can have adverse effects on your mental health. Self-care is essential for all new moms. You don’t have to spend a long time in the spa- you can take care of yourself without leaving your home.
Prepare your bathtub with lukewarm water. Light up some soy wax candles scented with essential oils, and as you soak up in the water, listen to calming and relaxing music. A relaxing bath is just one of the many ways to take care of your well-being. You can also find some home massage services in your area to relieve body pain.
Don’t Stress Yourself
House chores and errands will always be there. Stop stressing yourself by trying to do everything while you’re taking care of a baby. You will spend most of your time tending to your child. Don’t worry too much about the dirty dishes in the sink or your overflowing dirty laundry. You will have time to do them too. As of now, focus on yourself and your baby.
Limit Social Media Use
Excessive social media use is the common cause of depression and anxiety. Yes, even people who haven’t given birth can experience mental health issues due to social media use. Many new moms spend their free time scrolling through their Facebook or Instagram feeds, but this habit can make you feel bad about yourself.
Avoid scrolling through social media platforms. Divert your attention to valuable activities like reading a book, learning how to cook, or talking to your friends in person.
Talk to Yourself Positively
Even science confirms that engaging in self-talk is beneficial for a person’s overall well-being. So it wouldn’t hurt to talk to yourself from time to time. As a new mom, you will feel tired and drained almost all the time. Some day, you will feel like you’ve done a lot, but sometimes, you don’t even have an idea about what you’re doing- and that’s okay.
Remember that all new moms go through the same thing. After all, being a new mom is like training for a new work responsibility. What you can do is defeat all the negative emotions you have inside by talking to yourself.
Recite some positive phrases that will help you feel better about yourself, such as:
- I am doing great.
- My child is well-cared for; therefore, I am an excellent mom.
- I’m learning new things every day.
- I can do this.
Don’t forget that you need to be healthy in general to take care of your baby well. Prioritize your physical and mental wellness so you can do your responsibilities as a parent. Caring for yourself is not a selfish act. On the contrary, it’s the best thing to do so you can give the best care possible for your child.
