You’re a new mom embarking on this new postpartum journey. You spent forty weeks growing this human in your belly. Then you went through a life-altering experience to bring them into the world. At the hospital, you’re surrounded by professionals who specialize in newborn babies. They help you with everything from swaddling and changing diapers to latching and feeding.

Then you’re sent home with this tiny newborn baby and the stark realization that you have no idea what you’re doing. Quickly, your house is filled with chaos as

people stop by to meet the newest family member while you’re trying to navigate feeding, sleeping, and hormone changes.

It’s so common for mom to fall to the wayside. Your body is healing after enduring the trauma that brought that beautiful newborn baby into the world but you barely have time to sleep, let alone do anything to take care of yourself. While it can be challenging, taking a few minutes each day to practice self-love during the postpartum phase can be just what you need to stay sane and love your new body and new life. Here are six ways to love yourself as a new mom.

Take A Deep Breath: Newborn Babies Are Tough

Your world is being rocked. The crying, sleepless nights, not getting a full meal – it can take its toll. Deep breathing techniques have shown evidence of helping battle stress and anxiety. If you’re overwhelmed, put your baby down in a safe place and go to another room. Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, then breathe out for eight seconds. Repeat this process four times. Breathing is also a great exercise to help you unwind or nap yourself when baby is napping.

Get my free Deep Breathing Guide here: https://www.elissagibbs.com/free-resources/

Fuel Your Body: Encourage Postpartum Healing

Now is not the time to try and lose weight. Nourishing your body with key nutrients is important regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Making a quick smoothie packed full of fruits, veggies, nut butters, and plant-based proteins can help fuel your morning or afternoon while offering a tasty treat.

Get my free Fuel Your Body Guide here: https://www.elissagibbs.com/free-resources/

Practice Yoga: Gentle Postpartum Movement

After you’re cleared to workout, postnatal yoga is an excellent way to get your body moving again. You can find quick and free yoga flows online to do while baby is napping or safely lounging nearby. Slow yoga movements will improve your flexibility, relieve stress, and get your heart pumping.

Get my free Practice Yoga Guide here: https://www.elissagibbs.com/free-resources/

Get Creative: Activate Your Mind

The postpartum phase can make it very hard for new moms to enjoy activities they once loved but is a great time to find creative outlets while home with the baby. Pick up some paint and canvases to try your hand at painting. Pull out your notebook or computer and write a poem or short story. Take pictures while out on a walk. It doesn’t have to be complicated or take very long but being creative can improve your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Get my free Get Creative Guide here: https://www.elissagibbs.com/free-resources/

Let Go Of Perfect

There is no such thing as a perfect mom and raising a tiny human takes a lot of work! Your life is forever changed. Every mom experiences the self-doubt that comes with raising a child and while it’s completely normal to feel that way, whatever you’re telling yourself is likely not true. You are the best mom for your baby. Treat yourself that way!

Ask For Postpartum Help

There’s a lot of pressure to be natural and intuitive as a new mom, yet, so many women feel unsupported and uncared for after bringing their newborn baby home. If you’re struggling to enjoy motherhood or having a really difficult time with the transition, just know there are resources available to help you through. What I want you to know is that it is very common to want and need support as a new mom; you are not alone in this. Here are some of my favorite resources for moms in the postpartum phase.

Therapy – talk therapy is an incredible resource to share what/how you’re feeling and receive unbiased, honest advice and feedback. Visit www.psychologytoday.com and use their Find a Therapist feature to find a professional near to you.

Support Groups – peer support groups are a great way to surround yourself with other new parents who are also struggling with the transition to parenthood. This helps to normalize what you’re going through so that you don’t feel alone, but rather, supported. Visit www.postpartum.net to check out their various support groups/options.

Mentorship – if you aren’t sure about jumping into talk therapy or larger support groups, finding a mentor is another great way to work through the hard times. We seek mentors in other areas like life and business, why should this new, hard phase be any different? Visit www.postpartum.net to learn more about their peer mentoring programs, or check out my own program, Postpartum Mentoring, to see how we can work together on your journey to peace.

Connect With Me

For more resources and information for new parents, follow me on Instagram (@elissaagibbs) or on Pinterest (Elissa A Gibbs). Learn more about my services and my book, Through the Waters, on my website at www.elissagibbs.com.

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