5 self care tips for your journey to parenthood

<- Back to Learning Center

<- Back to Learning Center

Contributed by Robyn. Robyn provides raw, real-talk, and resources for aspiring, expecting and new parents.

It’s hard to believe that anyone makes it possible to actually get some self-care moments as a parent. “Put my baby before me?” This may come as such a shock to you because how could a parent not prioritize their child before them? But the truth is you can and you should. Your baby needs you as their parents to survive and grow. If you don’t take care of yourself, you wouldn’t be able to do the one job you're supposed to do: take care of you little ones!

At Robyn, we believe you’re not alone on your journey to parenthood. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and resources you need to prioritize your maternal wellness. Because without a healthy you, life is a little bit harder for everyone! Our network includes integrative maternal wellness tools, resources, and specialists to provide you with everything you need on your journey through pre-pregnancy and beyond. As a parent you need (and deserve!) to take care of yourself while figuring out life with your new baby.

You may think of self care as taking a bubble bath or pouring yourself a glass of wine, and while these things are considered self care there are other ways to implement your self care into your everyday routine. So today, we want to help you prepare for your journey to parenthood by providing you with some of our best tips when it comes to taking care of yourself.

Your nutrition is the most important and beneficial self care you could fuel your body with. Now that pregnancy cravings are over, it’s time to start fueling your body with good food to keep your energy levels up, fuel your lactation life, satisfy your metabolism after breastfeeding and believe it or not, certain foods can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is very common when it comes to being a new parent.

• Energy levels: by eating foods that are rich in nutrients, we can influence the degree of inflammation in our bodies and improve mood and bump up energy levels. It’s very simple, food is fuel. A few healthy foods include leafy greens, fruits and proteins. Of course, it’s ok to have a little cheat meal every now and then, it’s all about balance.
• Breastfeeding and lactation: when it comes to breastfeeding, it places a whole new demand on your body after giving birth. Your metabolism speeds up to create milk, making new mamas hungry all day everyday. The breastfeeding diet is not about restricting yourself, it’s about eating smarter. Consider incorporating more wild salmon, lentils, oatmeal, plenty of vitamin A and D, and of course, lots of water into your diet.
• Reduce stress and anxiety: believe it or not, your diet can help reduce stress and anxiety. Eating high-quality food (think whole grains, fruits, vegetables, bean-based proteins) nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress.

You are not the first person in the world, nor will you be the last one to become a parent. Everyone that has children has or will go through what you are going through. It is ok to ask for help or advice from others! In fact, talking to other parents who are in the same boat as you is one of the best things for you. If you share your experience with others, or find support groups like Robyn, it will make you feel more supported and less alone. It is also very common for many new moms to go through postpartum anxiety and depression. It’s important to know that there are many resources and specialists that can help you. Do not be afraid to lean on your families, friends or professionals to help you through this new journey of parenthood.

Life doesn’t ever go as planned...especially when you have kids. We encourage you to enter this new phase of life with an open mind. Yes, we know that you may have done your research on how you would like to do certain things, but no baby our journey is the same. Certain things may just not work for you or your family, and that’s ok. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to accept this. It helps you cope better when the expected unexpected happens, which will be quite often.

While we know this may not happen everyday for as long as you’d like, prioritizing a little “me” time here and there is important. This can include anything from a nice hot (uninterrupted) shower, exercising, pouring a glass of wine and calling your friends, or even just doing something you love for a few minutes. “Me” time is important for all new parents, and can help with patience or stress during this crazy journey.

As a new parent, your life just got a whole lot busier. But in the best way possible. So remember, it’s ok to say “no” if it means it’ll make you feel better. If people want to come over, say “no,” you may just not want to entertain or clean up that day, and that’s ok. As a parent you become a pro at multitasking and coordinating, but having the capacity to do a lot doesn’t mean you have to. So, leave the house a mess for the day, ignore text messages if you don’t feel like answering, and just remember that it’s ok to take the time to relax and spend time with your new little one!

Prioritizing your own well-being will most likely cause some feelings of guilt, which is completely normal. But keep in mind that only a happy parent can raise happy kids. It is NOT selfish to take care of yourself. It’s exactly what you need in order to be the parent you want to be.

At Robyn, we are cheering you on and are here to help if you need it. Now, go pour yourself a glass of wine and take that bubble bath. You deserve it!