Caring for baby round the clock is emotionally and physically draining. It is natural that occasionally you will feel less able to cope. If you are stressed, tense or anxious, you will have trouble sleeping, and overtiredness leads to – guess what – stress, tension and anxiety.
Help yourself
It is amazing how much more you can cope with if you can eat and sleep well, and take time to recharge your batteries.
Sound impossible?
- Sleep when baby sleeps
- Take up all offers of assistance – grab an hour of sleep while your friend takes baby out for a walk round the block
- Catch up on sleep on weekends when your partner is more available
- Stock the freezer with nutritious ready-made meals – ideal when cooking (or shopping) is too much effort
- Have a bowl of fruit salad in the fridge or hearty vegetable soup on the stove top – you’re much more likely to snack on something healthy if it’s already prepared
- Refuel while baby refuels – settle down to feed baby with a big jug of water and something nice to eat yourself
- Relax – turn off the phone and try some relaxation techniques – a rest is as good as a sleep (well, almost!)
- Have a family member on standby to give you a break every so often
- Go for a walk together – not only will you get some exercise and fresh air but removing yourself from the house for a while can work wonders
- Drive without the radio – it’s amazing how much more relaxed you feel when your thoughts are not competing
- Use essentials oils – burn them, put in your bath (but not baby’s), mix with massage oil
More than ‘feeling sad’
Mood changes after the birth are very common and vary from very mild to severe. Fortunately, there is a plethora of information out there but a good place to start if you have concerns about this is to talk to your child health nurse or General Practitioner.
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