I realized that one of the reasons I've been feeling crappy is that I haven't really been taking care of myself. It seems so hard with a newborn - just mostly grabbing quick snacks, that kind if thing. Not even just food, everything! I spent a lot of time during pregnancy actively caring for my body, and now it seems like I just can't.
So, I'm trying to think of little ways to take care of myself (especially while I'm at home alone with LO during the day). What have you been doing to help yourself physical or mentally?
This probably sounds dumb, but showering is my thing. After the toddler is in bed I hand off the baby to my H. Then I spend like half an hour by myself and not being touched by anyone. Plus I feel really gross everyday from the sweating. Other than that, I'm lost as well. I try to eat oatmeal for breakfast and then my eating habits are awful the rest of the day. I can't survive on coffee and pretzel crisps anymore.
This probably sounds dumb, but showering is my thing. After the toddler is in bed I hand off the baby to my H. Then I spend like half an hour by myself and not being touched by anyone. Plus I feel really gross everyday from the sweating. Other than that, I'm lost as well. I try to eat oatmeal for breakfast and then my eating habits are awful the rest of the day. I can't survive on coffee and pretzel crisps anymore.
Ditto on a daily shower. I even shave.
Once the weather cooperates, daily walks either baby wearing or in the stroller. Outside+exercise FTW!
Post by hummingbird125 on Sept 1, 2016 10:16:37 GMT -5
Yes to showering! Well, I don't get one in every day, maybe every other day, but it still helps. Also, I put a little makeup on whenever we leave the house - it just makes me feel better about myself.
On Sunday a friend of mine came over and we shared a bottle of wine while DS napped in the bedroom with DH. My friend ended up hanging out for hours and hours and I even got a little buzzed, and I can't even explain how much I needed that - it just felt like a normal / pre-baby afternoon, hanging out and drinking and chatting with my friend. I felt like MYSELF again - not like an overwhelmed new mom or an uncomfortable pregnant lady, but just ME, who happened to have baby in the next room. Since I'm BFing, it will still be a little while before I can spend any significant amount of time away from baby, but it was great to still feel like I had a social life for a few hours.
Showering is big for me too! I feel so yuck from spit up and leaking milk all the time. Every night when both kids are asleep I shower, put on lotion, and wear a cute nightie even though it will be covered in milk. I just like not feeling like a slob, even if I'm only in the house with the kids all day. I also try to take a half hour at night to do something besides laundry and cleaning. A lot of times I read a book or paint my nails. It just can't be all about the kids... Only 98% or so. Haha!
Post by hannahbear on Sept 1, 2016 11:19:52 GMT -5
It's true, I feel better on days where I shower. And yesterday I made it out of the house for a walk, and that was awesome! Maybe I'll try that again today. Sometimes I feel like I choosing between sleep and anything else, and sleep usually wins
Post by bocaburger on Sept 1, 2016 11:35:26 GMT -5
I leave the apartment every day, even if it's just a few blocks to the drugstore.
I haven't totally accomplished this, but my goal is one baby-free hour each day. Whether I leave the house or just sit on my bed reading or playing on my phone, I think it's really important for my sanity.
Add me to the showering club. I also try to change rooms throughout the day. With my first I didn't figure out a routine for meal planning/cooking. This time around I have a toddler to feed so I made freezer meals but I also try to make a point to eat when baby's sleeping. I also take a daily nap.
Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 1, 2016 11:55:44 GMT -5
I'm with @suesposa on cleaning. I hate clutter and take pride in having a clean, orderly home so when I take 15 minutes to clean up, I can then sit down and feel calm and peaceful.
Tuesday I was able to put little guy on the play mat and run on the treadmill and that was awesome. Since then he will only sleep on me so I haven't been able to do it again lol. But the weather is finally cooling off so I'm excited to walk and run outside with stroller.
Post by shehulk723 on Sept 1, 2016 13:06:35 GMT -5
Yes yes yes to showering. Also, putting on 'real' clothes helps me feel more put together. Getting out of the house helps a lot. We've had bad weather lately but even just a walk at the mall helps a lot. And getting some adult company is great. I got invited to a girls night a couple days ago and I even brought DD2 with me (left the toddler with dh though haha) I pumped a bottle of milk and all the girls there were holding and feeding her for me so it was a nice break even though she was with me.
Here in Germany they pay for a gymnastics course for building back your pelvic floor muscles. So starting tonight I will go twice a week for September. I assume that that will be a nice get away. Luckily my mom is here for that time so mh is not alone with the babies. I try to have some baby free time every day, but that is usually time I soend sterilising bottles or making supper.
Me: 36, DH 32 Bfp#1 June 2014 edd: Feb. 22, 2015,mmc: Aug. 5,2014,D&C Bfp#2 Feb. 2015 edd: Oct.12, 2015, mmc: Mar. 7,2015, D&C
DX: Me: slightly hypothyroid, taking meds DH: SA Showed all low levels, urologist appointment showed all was normal, so no reason why the levels were bad.
Plan: IUI #1 Aug. 25mg clomed, to help boost egg quality - BFN IUI #2 Sept. 25mg clomed, BFN IUI#3 Dec. BFP!! TWINS Edd: Aug. 22, 2016
Post by gratefulgirl on Sept 2, 2016 10:10:02 GMT -5
I wanted to add that this is an area where it can be tough if you start comparing. Some babies will sit quietly in a bouncy seat while you shower, others won't. Some people have more help than others and therefore more time for self-care. On and on it goes. You have to figure out what works for your family and not compare it to what other families can do.
Another YES to showering. It's amazing how a quick shower can make me feel refreshed and recharged. I've also started cleaning a few days ago. I really wanted to do more towards the end of last week (the week we came home), but my incisions were still bothering me a bit. Can't wait to do laps around the neighborhood - we're hoping to make it a daily routine!
Showering & making an effort to leave the house as many days as possible. Even if it's just t get gas or go t the pharmacy.
I got a massage (scheduled far out in advance before she was even born) & even went to Thursday evening Zumba a few weeks in a row. Note this is only possible because we only have 1 kid & she happily takes a bottle from DH while I'm gone (one of the "benefits" of bfeeding issues that has led to EPing I suppose)
Also my baby is now almost 7 weeks so I'm further ahead with the "it gets easier" part. The only thing I managed listed above for the first 5-6 was shower. And not even shaving legs. And was too sleep deprived to function.
I shower and put makeup on every morning, then shower in the evening when H gets home. The morning is just a quick rinse off bc I have been sweating sone overnight. At the end of the day I am covered in milk and just need to decompress for a few so I wash my hair and shave my legs. I am also a huge believer in the power of exercise and vitamin D, so I try to get outside for a walk every day
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