Surviving the first few months of motherhood is about your level of personal resilience. Since it requires so much energy, and the stakes are so high, it can seem impossible at times. There are endless demands that you’ll have to meet immediately and with no warning in order to make sure that your baby has everything they need.
Thankfully, besides the superhuman strength that accompanies childbirth and the back pain from carrying the baby and bending over a dozen or so times a day, there are additional ways to tap into that mama strength. Here we offer four tips to help you channel the energy to survive the first few months of motherhood.
1. Use Mindful Affirmations
From sleepless nights to endless crying, tending to your baby will zap all the energy out of you and quickly! How can you work through these moments without calling it quits? Integrate mindful affirmations that help you stay grounded even when you’re at your breaking point.
The purpose of affirmations is to give you something to ground yourself and to trick your brain into believing in whatever it is you are repeating to yourself over and over. If you say to yourself, “I can handle this,” then you will handle whatever motherhood throws at you. Do your best to plan and create a list of affirmations you can refer to when crises strike.
2. Go as Natural as Possible
Babies bring many changes; there will be many moments when you’ll feel like you physically, mentally, and emotionally just cannot take any more. You will get more done and avoid overwhelming yourself with inconvenient trips to the store if you stick to natural products as much as possible.
Eco Pea eco-friendly diapers will keep you from buying diaper cream constantly, while a BEABA baby food maker will save you time and money by allowing you to create your very own baby food. If you want to get into natural products, create baby-sensitive shampoos and soaps out of essential ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
3. Make Rock-A-Bye Your Time Too
When you’re building strong bonds and soothing your baby to sleep, make this time relaxing for you too. Put on music that your baby finds calming and that you also enjoy (or at least can tolerate for a little while). Your baby might also be responsive to your singing voice, which will give you something to occupy your mind with as you continue to provide your full attention to your baby.
Dim the lights and get a CALPAK neck pillow to sink into as you rock your baby to sleep. Motherhood is about multitasking, and you should include yourself in this juggling act as well.
4. Ask for Help
Whether you lean on your partner, family members, a nanny, or someone else you trust, it is okay to give yourself time to take a nap. Sleep deprivation is a recipe for disaster, and you can only be there for your baby if you’re taking good enough care of yourself.
You should expect to prioritize the baby’s needs over your own to an extent, but not to the point that you are neglecting your needs entirely! Aim for balance; create a schedule with those helping you so that you get enough rest in between your mommy shifts! Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you just need a break.
The Bottom Line
Surviving the first few months of motherhood is about the intention you put towards building your resiliency. Follow these steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Even the best moms need rest.
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New to motherhood? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear your experience!