Janine Smith

For new mums

It is important for new mums to look after themselves. As a new mum you may be healing and you will be adjusting to life with your new baby.

All the focus can be on the new baby – feeding, sleep, carrying, watching, keeping alive – so it is easy to forget to focus on your needs.

The early days and weeks can vary but I do know that it is important to make time to be looked after and to think about your wellbeing as well.

talk and be open about how you are feeling physically and emotionally about birth and about life with your new baby
rest – you will be tired
eat and drink regularly – to boost your energy
get reassurance and support with any low mood or feeling out of your depth
focus on your baby and try not to compare with other babies
ask for and seek help – from your partner, from family, from friends – so you can rest
speak to me so you can talk about the birth and gather all the information, reassurance and support you need for the early days and weeks
take it slow and to keep your days simple
get to know your baby and go at their pace as they adjust to the world
have realistic expectations of what a new baby is capable of and what you might feel like