Having a baby really does turn your life upside down, as all of a sudden you have someone else to look after, making it easy to put yourself last.

This is a completely natural instinct, however, it is vital that you take the time to look after yourself, for the benefit of you and your baby.

You will be a better parent if you have some “me time” and put yourself first every now and again, which is what we are here to show you how to do.

Some of these things are only small but can make the world of difference when it comes to how you feel.

1. Get Out of the House

Our first very important tip when it comes to self-care after having a baby is to get out of the house. We understand that it can feel very overwhelming, the idea of leaving the house, however, once you bite the bullet and do it, you will feel so much better. Heading outside for some fresh air will be so beneficial for both you and the baby. If you have been going in and out of the same rooms every day, a change of scenery will help you feel more like you again!

We’re not saying this needs to be a big event, but simply put some super comfy clothes on like womens gym leggings or joggers and an oversized jumper and go out for maybe just 10 minutes. If you feel up to it, jump in the shower before you head out and you will feel lovely and fresh.

You shouldn’t feel pressure to go outside before you feel comfortable, but when you do head out to have a stroll around areas you feel familiar with, you will realise that you can’t believe you didn’t do it sooner. If you don’t feel like this, that’s also okay, as every parent’s journey is different. However, the time outside will be good for you and the baby.

If you feel worried, go with your partner, a family member or a friend so you have that extra support if you need it.

2. Sleep When The Baby Sleeps

Next up, you should always try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Life is hectic with a newborn, and it is so easy to look around the house at everything that might need to be done and try to tick a few things off your to-do list whilst your baby is asleep. However, you need the rest just as much as your baby, so use this time to sleep whenever you feel like you need to.

Things around the house will get done at some point, but your main priority in the weeks and even months after having your baby is to look after yourself. Like we said, not only will you be helping yourself, but you will also be helping your baby by being a healthy parent.

Give your body the rest it needs, and you will certainly feel the benefits.

3. Spend Quality Time With Your Partner

Another important component of self-care after having a baby is spending time with your partner. Relationships change after having a baby and like we said, when your baby is the priority, it can be so easy to push everything else to the back of your priorities, including time with your loved one. You may not be able to do all the same things you used to just after having your baby, but you can adjust to your new way of life and might even enjoy your new quality time even more than before.

This might be something as simple as ordering a takeaway and eating at the table, without the TV or any distractions, just the two of you. You could have a pamper night where you watch your favourite film, give each other massages and do face masks. The two of you could go for brunch and take the baby along, as this is a shorter meal, so you are more likely to be able to time it around your baby’s nap.

Whatever you decide to do, assign some time each week where the two of you spend some quality time together, as putting your relationship higher up your priorities will help you to be happy parents.

4. Eat A Range of Fruits and Veg

Finally, you should make sure that you are eating a range of different fruits and vegetables. Aim to eat as many coloured fruits and veg as possible, as each colour represents different vitamins and minerals, so you will know that you are fuelling your body with everything it needs to recover healthily. Fruits and veg contain lots of fibre, which can help to prevent constipation after birth, another benefit of implementing them into your postpartum diet. This can also help to give your body a detox!

If you are struggling to eat many fruits and vegetables, start each day with a smoothie. You can put all your favourite colourful frozen fruit and veg into the blender with some fruit juice and give it a good blitz, so you are starting your day with a healthy boost. This is a quick and affordable way to eat more fruit and veg to look after yourself.

Being a new mum while working or not, isn’t easy peasy, but with the right approach and strategy, you can make many things much easier for yourself to enjoy your new life more.