When your beautiful bundle of joy enters this world, nothing is ever the same. This includes you, mama. Suddenly you only have one (tiny) person on your mind, and it’s not you. But I’m here to tell you, baby blues and postpartum depression are very real.
I do not claim to be a mental health professional, but I will also make the claim that the times that I’ve forgotten that I am also my own person, the more easily the tears have come on this past year. So without a degree in this field I would like to share with you the tips I have used to battle the blues, & remain ME during my baby‘s first year.
1.) Step Outside
As someone who spent more than half of their pregnancy confined to the house, specifically a 3 foot radius from the bathroom, I became depressed before baby ever arrived. I felt like I would never feel better. Never get to see daylight again. I spent most of my days sleeping and puking and crying. But FINALLY the day came where I wasn’t puking nonstop. After I stepped out into the sunshine (hissing a little) my mood went through the roof. This still applies after baby comes! Get out that stroller and get outside! Vitamin D is incredible for moral.
2.) Snuggle
Ok, I know that as a mom we get really “touched out” and sometimes the thought of cuddling makes your skin actually hurt. But, its a fact that hugging and snuggling releases feel good endorphins in the brain. I know every blog ever tells you to “ignore those dishes and just be with your baby”, but in real life the dishes need washed. So wash those while baby naps, then when she wakes up and is fresh and happy, Get. Those. Snugs. Nothing will make you smile quite like your drool monster crawling all over you and giggling.
3.) A “You” Spot
After you become pregnant, there are baby items that cover every square foot of your life. I like to joke with my husband that our life is just a bunch of baby toys trying to kill us. But for real... We trip over rattles and stub our toes on the walker. And very little in this world can set my temper off like hurting myself while in an exhausted run to the kitchen for a fresh bottle. So to keep your sanity I suggest having at least one area that is purely yours. It can be your bedroom (but good luck with that). It can be your closet that you have created a vanity space in. An outside spot is also great, like a comfy chair on the porch for zoning out after baby is asleep. (Take the monitor.)
4.) A New Hobby
I know, easier said than done. But it will make you a more complete person and a more interesting one, if you pick up some sort of hobby! Learn an instrument (I highly suggest the Ukulele because it’s fairly easy to learn some songs, and it’s small enough to not take up much space among the baby toys.) Start a journal and write about everything, or write a book if you have the ability. Seriously collect stamps if it makes you happy, the point is to have something that’s about being you and not just mom.
5.) Practice Pretty
One of the main complaints I hear from new moms is that they just want to feel pretty again. This can be hard when your body has changed so much. Your clothes no longer fit, your face is fluffier with hormonal acne, and your hair is probably falling out. No, looks are not the most important thing in the world but the saying “look good, feel good” does hold some merit. You do not have to take 3 hours to throw on some full glam, because that’s probably not a possibility. But you can do small things, like putting on a face mask and styling your hair while baby naps. Or painting your toes after they are in bed. Or even holding the little monkey while you wear teeth whitener. It doesn’t have to be a massive change or even expensive, putting on some fake lashes alone can change your mood.
I hope that before you reach the point of a breakdown you can find something that helps with the new mom stress! And if none of these things help, I’m always here for anyone to talk to.
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