Eating nutritious foods after childbirth is vital for your recovery and strength, and if you’re breastfeeding, it also improves the quality of your breast milk. Before becoming a mom, I enjoyed sweets without any noticeable effects, but now I'm much more conscious of how they influence my energy levels and mood, and I definitely feel the slowdown. Committing to a healthy diet takes effort, but the benefits are immense, not just for my own health, but also in setting a loving and practical example for our children about the importance of good nutrition.
One of my favorite ways to make eating nutritious foods easier- and fun—is by preparing a charcuterie board on a cute platter after the kids go to bed. But this can be done at any time of the day! I like to vary the contents of the board each night, but some staples include an assortment of cheeses, a complementary jam or honey, nuts, multi-seed crackers or slices of sourdough bread, fresh or dried fruits, olives, and simple-to-serve veggies like mini carrots and cucumbers. I also add some hummus or avocado dip and a few pieces of dark chocolate for a touch of indulgence. Then, I finish it off with some kombucha or champagne, depending on the night, served in a fancy glass!
For new moms, staying hydrated is crucial, especially after childbirth. Drinking plenty of water helps your body heal, replenishing fluids lost during delivery and supporting vital functions like blood circulation and cell renewal. If you're breastfeeding, staying hydrated is key to maintaining milk production and ensuring your baby gets the nutrients they need. Plus, drinking water can help reduce postpartum fatigue, giving you more energy to care for your little one.
The popular Stanley cup! It seems like everyone has one these days, and I've given it a try too. If this works for you, go for it! For me, I realized that when I use a large jug, I actually end up drinking less water throughout the day. I quickly fell into the habit of thinking one big jug was all I needed, leading me to take smaller sips throughout the day because I had "all day to get to it". Then, when I realized I hadn't had enough and tried to drink larger amounts at once, the idea of finishing the entire container felt overwhelming. Instead, I've discovered that a 17-20oz cup or bottle works best for me. I can easily finish the entire amount in one sitting and then refill it for more sips between larger amounts again at lunch and dinner. So... If you're struggling to manage a larger jug, consider switching to a smaller one that feels more manageable to finish in one go with multiple refills throughout the day—it might just make hydration easier and it's definitely more portable.
We're all aware of the benefits of movement! It helps us regain strength, enhances flexibility, and triggers the release of those feel-good hormones in our brains. The real challenge lies in finding the time for it—until you make it a priority.
I have to admit, this is still my biggest challenge. I used to love group classes, which I managed to continue after my first child. However, after my second, they became non-existent due to the time and commitment required to schedule and attend them. So, hello Peloton! But here's the thing—I haven't actually ridden it in the past three months since we got it! Luckily, my husband has been using it daily, and I've set a firm date on the calendar for when I'll start. In the meantime, I've been focusing on stroller walks, doing yoga with my toddler, having dance parties, and enjoying Disney days because going to Disney with kids is quite the workout! Watch a glimpse of our toddler yoga HERE.
Self-care encompasses a multitude of tasks, even as simple as brushing your teeth! It's amusing to recall the reactions I've received from non-mom friends when I mentioned forgetting to brush my teeth—they'd be shocked! However, when I share the same story with mom friends, their response is more along the lines of, "I've too forgotten for weeks!" It's enlightening to share these experiences with fellow members of the "mom club," serving as a gentle reminder of the importance of prioritizing our own self-care.
There are little self-care treats that genuinely light up my day, like indulging in a massage, treating myself to facials, or pampering my hair and nails. While I do strive to squeeze in professional spa visits, it's become a bit trickier to find the time lately. Nonetheless, I've made it a point to weave in habits that nurture these self-care rituals throughout my day because consistency truly is key! It's all about finding those moments and making them part of your routine. And if you know me as your pediatric provider, you know I'm all about adaptable routines, especially when it comes to little ones, because they thrive on that sense of stability. But it's important to remember that flexibility is key, and there are days when I may not be able to stick to these routines. If they happen, that's wonderful, and if they don't, that's perfectly okay too!
Below, I'll outline my morning and evening routine, highlighting my simple face care regimen that fits with my mommy duties. If you're in search of a new face care routine, feel free to give this one a try! If you already have a comprehensive system in place, that's fantastic! If a face care routine isn't your thing, you can substitute any other self-care practice where I mention using face products, if that suits you better!
Here's my morning routine: As soon as I wake up, I head to the bathroom. Typically, the baby is either still asleep or I place him in a safe area with some toys. Meanwhile, my toddler may be having breakfast with dad downstairs, joining me in the bathroom, or already off to school. I start by washing my face and then applying toner. Next, I brush my teeth and follow up with a serum on my face. While waiting for the serum to absorb, I dress myself and change the baby's diaper and outfit, then settle him back into his safe space. I finish off by applying moisturizer with SPF to my face. After fluffing out my hair and adding any necessary styling products, I'm done! This entire routine usually takes about 10 minutes. I rarely wear makeup, but if I do, it's a quick and light application—just tinted moisturizer, mascara, lip gloss, and maybe some eye shadow or concealer, taking an additional 2 minutes. If my toddler is with me, she loves to stay entertained with her own "face routine," which involves playing with own makeup brushes that she's only allowed to use during this time. This keeps the activity fresh and exciting for her each day it's needed. Luckily, the baby usually stays happy during this time. But if he starts to fuss, I'll put on some Disney songs and we have a dance party! When all done, it's time to feed the kids. On particularly hectic days, we just do the best we can.
Here's my evening routine: We've found that family showers are a huge time-saver for us! Following our shared shower, we attend to the baby, making sure he's fresh and cozy in his nighttime attire, while our toddler enjoys running around. I take a moment to care for my skin, applying toner and serum. Then, it's time to feed the baby and ease him into sleep mode. Once he's settled, I moisturize my face and gather my toddler for her bedtime routine. After she's tucked in, my partner and I enjoy a precious 1-2 hours together before I retire for the night. Just before hitting the pillow, I brush my teeth, braid my hair, and snuggle up on my silk pillowcase, ready for some rest until my baby's next nighttime feed.
As you can see from the routines I've shared, my kids are the biggest variables, making it crucial to stay flexible and find those moments to sprinkle in your own self-care.
Mom guilt is that nagging feeling that you're not measuring up, fueled by the immense love and responsibility of motherhood and societal pressures. Letting go of mom guilt means realizing that perfection isn't realistic and it's okay to be yourself around your kids, prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when needed. It's about finding a balance that allows you to be the best version of yourself for both you and your family.
Some days are tough, and that's okay. I firmly believe that experiencing struggles is essential for growth and learning from mistakes. So, if I'm having a rough day, I don't try to hide it from my kids. There are times when my toddler is fussy and crying, which can be really challenging for me. In those moments, I tell her "Mama needs some quiet time, can we all be quiet for a little bit". Surprisingly, this simple request often helps reset both of our moods. Now, my toddler even recognizes when she's feeling irritable and will say, "Pepe needs a break." and we provide her the space to take that break. Similarly, with my baby, there are days when I'm exhausted and just want to stay in bed. He joins me, and we both take the opportunity to rest and recharge. It's all about shifting your perspective!
This point is incredibly crucial. We often feel the pressure to handle everything on our own, but it's unrealistic and exhausting. Don't hesitate to reach out for support from your partner, family, and friends. If necessary, consider hiring help. Postpartum doulas can offer invaluable assistance, while hiring a cleaning service, nanny, or enrolling in daycare can also ease your load. Remember, there are plenty of options available to lighten your workload and ensure you have the support you need. Additionally, prioritize your mental health. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to mental health providers for help and support. Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as managing your physical tasks, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
We've had an incredible experience with our postpartum doula support! Currently, we're working with Kendra from Illuminate Postpartum, and we've also had a great experience with One Love Doula. Having a postpartum doula come in once a week has been a game-changer for us. They assist with various household tasks, including laundry, meal preparation, cooking, and organizing. Plus, they also prioritize taking care of me, not just the home. It's been such a relief to have their support during this time.
Keep in mind that this is just a phase we're in right now! These routines and strategies have evolved gradually over time, and I hope you find some helpful tips to apply in your own life. Parenting is a journey filled with various phases, each offering new opportunities to prioritize different aspects of our lives. As we move through different stages of parenting, our priorities and routines will naturally shift and adapt. Embracing this evolution is key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of parenthood with flexibility and resilience.
