10 simple ways to boost your wellbeing as a new parent
Here are some quick and easy ways to enhance your wellbeing as a new parent. These things can be very much overlooked especially when experiencing a range of emotions but focusing on your basic needs can go a long way to boost both your physical and emotional health.
Simple steps for your wellbeing as a new parent…
1. Fresh Air
If it feels appropriate, getting out for a short walk and a bit of fresh air is good for you and for your baby.
2. Water
Drinking plenty of water not only stops you from becoming dehydrated but it can also boost your energy and help you heal.
3. Eat
Eat well and often with healthy meals and regular snacks throughout those early days and weeks with your new baby.
4. Use your breathing
Focus on using your breathing to stay calm, to relax your body and to ease any stress, anxiety or panic. This can help to settle your baby, it can help with feeding and it can help you. Visit Breathing Space
5. Rest
Make rest your priority in those early days and weeks with your baby. It’s not always easy – especially if you have older children – but planning in some rest will help you to heal and adjust to life with less sleep.
6. Talk
Talk through any worries or anxieties, share how you are feeling.
7. Wallow
Use the bath or shower to help you relax and to ease any aches and discomfort. You might be sweaty in those early days, your boobs could be leaking and you will be experiencing lochia so bathing can help you feel clean and refreshed.
8. Ask questions
Ask your questions for information, support and reassurance when you contact your midwife or your postnatal doula.
9. Use your ball
Using a ball can also be a good way to settle a baby as they may like the movement.
10. The Loo
You might need to use the loo often in those early days – you could be peeing huge amounts. There can be a lot of apprehension around using the loo for fear of stinging and pain with stitches. Use your breathing, especially with bowel movements, and relax your body. Don’t put off going to the loo – drinking plenty of water will dilute your urine and soften your stools.
There isn’t a prescriptive list of what you should do to boost your wellbeing as a new parent but just focusing on the basics, working with your body and on what you need that day can be really helpful.
For more information about pregnancy, birth and life with a baby, you can:
■ follow me on Instagram – click on the bell for notifications so you don’t miss a post/story ■ sign up for my newsletter ■ join my community group for expectant and new parents ■ book a consultation with me
Janine Smith | A specialist in pregnancy, birth and early parenting
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.