Be willing to let people help out with a few household chores or watch the baby if they offer. Putting your dishes away for you while you rest on the couch or holding the baby while you take a shower can mean a lot when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Pizza is delicious, but it’s not necessarily the best choice. If financially feasible, sign up for a meal delivery service for a month or even longer. It removes the need to think about what’s for dinner and cuts out a lot of grocery shopping. Meals are healthy and tasty—and you can feel like you cooked a little bit. If it’s makeup that keeps you feeling like a human being, throw your hair into a pony and throw on some yoga pants—but take time to apply the foundation and mascara. Likewise, it might be blow-drying your hair that allows you to feel like you’re somewhat put together, so try to get to that task every couple of days. Don’t forget that you’re still a person, and you’re allowed to take 10 minutes to put yourself together. Find a new moms support group, either online (there are many closed groups on Facebook, meaning you can ask questions with the assurance that they won’t show up on your newsfeed) or in-person. Check the hospital’s website to see if they host any support groups or ask around—those who have been in your shoes might have local groups to recommend. There’s something about tucking the baby into a carrier, so she’s close to your chest, and getting out into the fresh air. If it’s winter, you can still tuck her in—just hop on a stationary bike or treadmill. There’s a good chance that the motion of you walking or spinning will put the baby to sleep. If you’re aching to get back to the weight room or to your favorite step class, check into gyms with childcare. Most will take babies as early as 12 weeks—and the sooner you go, the more comfortable your little one will be in their care. Rest assured, there is nothing wrong with you. It’s just that those who are having a harder time aren’t as outspoken as those who are enjoying every moment. If you feel overwhelmed by the stress of parenting and you don’t find much joy in daily life, seek professional help. Postpartum depression—or even the “baby blues”—are much more common than anyone realizes. Research shows that as many as 19 percent of new moms experience depression after giving birth. Postpartum depression can appear up to a year after the baby is born, so don’t dismiss the possibility if you’re six months in and just start to feel the mental pains of it all.
A Word From Verywell
Although you have just added a new, important role in your life, don’t forget who you were before you had a baby. Every so often, hand the baby over to a spouse, parent, sibling, or trusted friend and take a little time to connect with pre-baby you—it’s worth it.
