Postpartum, also known as the 4th trimester is no joke. In my case, it was in ways harder than pregnancy for me. I was struggling with gaining so much weight but not being pregnant anymore, still being swollen, none of my clothes fit, and I now had a baby to take care of while also recovering from an emergency C section. I didn’t have PPD, but I definitely had the “baby blues” and there were days where I would just look in the mirror and cry. A mix of mental, physical, and emotional struggles definitely called for some self care. Top that off with only getting 2 weeks of paid maternity leave, and going back to work after 5 weeks…would not recommend. 

 

For me, things started to get better around 5 months postpartum and have slowly gotten easier since then. 

Below are some self care ideas for new moms that have helped me. Hopefully they can help you too!

Treat Yo Self!

You just had a baby – you deserve it! If you have the means, treat yo self to something fun to help you enjoy this transition. Maybe a new designer purse, some new shoes, a nice perfume, a cozy blanket and slippers, a new coffee machine or cup/mug to enjoy your coffee, perfume, devotional for moms, skincare product, or a new flattering top from Lululemon always seems to boost my mood ◡̈  Splurge on yourself, or get something for your baby that wasn’t purchased off your registry.

Do something simple (and free!) at home to boost your mood

• Take a bubble bath
• Listen to a podcast
• Go for a walk
• Snuggle your pet
• Unfollow people/accounts on social media that make you feel bad
• Watch your favorite TV show or movie
• Light a candle
• Clean the house
• Organize a room
• Call a friend
• Do a craft
• Redecorate a room
• Organize your calendar
• Pour a glass of wine
• Listen to happy music
• Read a book
• Drink more water

More self-care ideas

• Get coffee with a friend
• Invest in a really good eye cream
• Buy yourself flowers from Trader Joe’s
• Listen to an uplifting podcast
• Get your nails done
• Go for a walk with another mom
• Buy a new outfit that flatters your body
• Unfollow people on social media
• Watch your favorite feel-good TV show
• Light a candle
• Go to Target
• Call a friend
• Switch up your skincare routine
• Schedule a massage
• Try float therapy
• Get a haircut
• Buy a new PJ set
• Lymphatic drainage massage
• Do a craft
• Read The Bible
• Clean the house or hire a housekeeper
• Make a fun drink
• Go on a date
• Get your lashes done
• Buy a cute outfit for your baby
• Listen to happy music
• Buy some new fuzzy slippers

The postpartum season can be hard and lonely, but start to implement these self care ideas and try to keep a positive mindset. It will get better – it just takes time. And one day, these are the days you’ll wish you had back. It’s so so hard, but try to enjoy the season you are in.

I know it may sound silly, but these are some of the things that helped me the most in my postpartum journey. You’ve got this mama! Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.