👍 Boost Your Joy: Mom's Self-Care Guide! Episode 35

What's Up Wednesdays!
Join me today, as I provide 11 fresh and exciting tips to help you take care of yourself during this special time of breastfeeding.

1. Rest Whenever Your Baby Sleeps  
2. Nourish Your Body with Regular Meals and Hydration  
3. Prioritize Personal Hygiene for a Fresh Start  
4. Keep Up with Your Health Check-Ups  
5. Make Time for What Brings You Joy  
6. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
7. Seek Support and Delegate Tasks  
8. Take Breaks to Rejuvenate  
9. Be Gentle with Yourself  
10. Avoid Comparing Your Journey to Others  
11. Find Your People - Join a Community of Breastfeeding Moms  

Stay tuned for my up and coming Breastfeeding Support Group. To learn more, go to my website at www.pregnancyconcepts.com and scroll to the bottom to subscribe to my newsletter and stay informed!

Contact:
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Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

Transcript

👍 Boost Your Joy: Mom's Self-Care Guide! Episode 35

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Intro Summary

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey that nourishes both your baby and your bond. However, it can also be demanding, both physically and emotionally. As a breastfeeding mom, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being to ensure a positive experience for you and your baby. Join me today, as I provide some fresh and exciting tips to help you take care of yourself during this special time.

Podcast

Hello, For my love of parenting parents. In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, I thought I would discuss how you can take care of yourself while breastfeeding. As a breastfeeding mom myself, I remember how demanding both physically and emotionally breastfeeding could be. I am not sure I shared but I did breastfeed both of my children, my son for 3 months – in fact, once I returned to work (after 3 months) he weaned himself from breastfeeding. And for me that was heartbreaking and I pumped for as long as I could – but the breastfeeding laws were very different and not as supportive as they are now – so I stopped way too soon. Hence, the statistic of over 60% of moms stop breastfeeding way sooner than intended, which I am sure the numbers were probably higher during the time that I was breastfeeding my son.

Five years later, with my daughter I was able to breastfeed exclusively for over 14 months. The work situation and employer support was much better. It’s very interesting when employees and employers come together for the greater good of everyone – and the situation is a win/win.

As you may know, breastfeeding requires a significant amount of energy and nutrients from your body. While your body is naturally designed to provide the best for your baby, it’s essential to keep your own health in check to sustain this nourishment. Additionally, the emotional aspects of breastfeeding, such as bonding and the inevitable doubts (of am I doing this right, is my baby getting enough, is it supposed to hurt, what if my baby doesn’t like my milk or will I produce enough,) can take a toll on your mental well-being. By focusing on self-care, you can alleviate stress, prevent burnout, and fully enjoy the breastfeeding journey. Which in fact, was one of my comments/challenges to a client of mine – and I am so happy to report that is there, enjoying breastfeeding and taking care of herself! Kiddos to that mom and to all moms who I have challenged to enjoy breastfeeding especially after all of their breastfeeding challenges have been resolved and things are on track!

In taking care of yourself, I must also reference the 4th Trimester as a vital period for self-care. The first three months after giving birth, often referred to as the 4th trimester, is a crucial time for both you and your baby. Your body is still recovering from the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, you and your baby are learning how  to breastfeeding while establishing your breastfeeding pattern, plus you’re also adapting to the new responsibilities of motherhood and all while transitioning into parenthood. During this period, taking care of yourself is more important than ever. The 4th trimester is not just about nurturing your newborn but also about ensuring that you, as a mother, are supported, healthy, and emotionally well. By prioritizing your self-care during this time, you lay the foundation for a positive breastfeeding journey and overall postpartum experience.

So, you may be asking – well how do I begin to take care of myself while breastfeeding. Well, I got you. Here are some tips – that even I used, and I also pass along to my clients. And maybe you don’t them incorporate them all at once, may be you incorporate them one at a time or as needed. Just remember that these tips are here to help you with your breastfeeding journey and goals. The most important thing is that you are aware and implement a daily routine to that incorporates these tips.

 1. Rest Whenever Your Baby Sleeps  
It might sound cliché, but catching naps when your baby does can be a game-changer. Breastfeeding can disrupt your sleep patterns, so take advantage of those quiet moments to rest and recharge. And sometimes moms, we are not sleepy when your baby is sleeping. But don’t start thinking that you need to cook and clean or any of those things. Rest – that is why I tell my clients to just put yourself at rest. Whatever that looks like. Reading a book, listening to music, binge watching a show (nothing stressful!) – get the idea?

 2. Nourish Your Body with Regular Meals and Hydration  
Breastfeeding burns calories, so it’s vital to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Keep healthy snacks and water at your breastfeeding stations around the house to remind yourself to eat and drink regularly. 

 3. Prioritize Personal Hygiene for a Fresh Start 
With the demands of breastfeeding, don’t neglect your basic hygiene. A quick shower, brushing your teeth, or even just getting dressed can make you feel rejuvenated and more like yourself. Personal story: when my husband returned to work, I lost the other half of support. So, I found it extremely important to take a shower before he left for work. So, we planned our schedule so that I could incorporate what seems like one small thing – but really is a huge thing into my day. And I cannot tell you how important taking a shower and having that time to pamper myself before “the fun began.” Yeah, I knew that I may get puked or deal with an explosive diaper – but that was okay because I was able to put myself and my needs first. It truly does take a village. 

 4. Keep Up with Your Health Check-Ups 
Your health is just as important as your baby’s. Regular check-ups ensure that you’re in good shape to continue breastfeeding and address any potential issues early on. This is very important! Because statistics shows that health issues can still affect moms up to 1 year postpartum. 

 5. Make Time for What Brings You Joy 
Set aside time each day for something you love. Whether it’s watching your favorite show, reading a book, or indulging in a hobby, doing something for yourself can break the monotony and uplift your spirits. Again, tie this into resting when your baby sleeps.

 6. Stay Connected with Loved Ones 
Social connections are crucial for emotional support. Reach out to loved ones to chat, vent, or simply enjoy a conversation that isn’t about breastfeeding. It’s a great way to keep a sense of normalcy in your life.

 7. Seek Support and Delegate Tasks 
You are not a burden! You are in postpartum recovery and discovery. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with household chores, meal prep, or even caring for your other children. Having a support system can ease the burden and give you some much-needed time to focus on yourself.

 8. Take Breaks to Rejuvenate  
Even a short break from your baby can be refreshing. Step outside for some fresh air, take a walk, or just enjoy a quiet moment alone. This can help you reset and return to your baby feeling more relaxed. Again, another way to tie in resting when your baby sleeps. We all have heard of baby monitors and they are way more advance then the one I had – for sure. If you can, take your book outside. Prepare a pot of tea or a cool refreshing nonalcoholic beverage – and get your vitamin D in the process. 

 9. Be Gentle with Yourself  
Breastfeeding isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay. Remind yourself that you’re doing your best and that your baby is benefiting from your efforts. Don’t be too hard on yourself during challenging moments. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning curve and can take between 4-6 weeks for you and your baby to get it down. Reaffirm your progress everyday – as I tell my clients “Count your wins and give yourself grace for the rest.” 

10. Avoid Comparing Your Journey to Others 
Every breastfeeding journey is unique. It’s easy to compare yourself to others but remember that everyone has their own struggles and triumphs. Focus on your own experience and celebrate your achievements. So, don’t be looking at those moms on social media that are “feeding their freezer”. Celebrate your own successes big or small.

 11. Find Your People - Join a Community of Breastfeeding Moms 
Sometimes, connecting with other breastfeeding moms can provide comfort and practical advice. Consider joining a support group to share experiences and gain insights from others who understand what you’re going through. And just a heads-up, this is something that I am thinking about starting for Pregnancy Concepts. More to come on this group later. If you are interested in learning more – head over to my website: www.pregnancyconcepts.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to my newsletter. 

 So, in summary, taking care of yourself while breastfeeding is essential for your health and your baby’s well-being. By incorporating these self-care tips into your daily routine, you can create a more balanced and enjoyable breastfeeding experience. Remember, you deserve care and attention just as much as your baby does, especially during the 4th trimester when both your body and emotions are adjusting to the demands of motherhood.

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope you found this information helpful but most importantly, I hope you incorporate these tips into your daily routine. Until next time. Take care.