Be prepared
The one thing that you don’t learn enough about in pregnancy is what can happen to your mind after birth. After any kind or trauma your body and mind will need sufficient time to rest and repair and this with the newly found pressures of being a new Mother may not be easy to find.
Parenting on Female First
If you are aware and knowledgeable about how the mind can get affected post birth you can better look out for the signs and signals that you may need more support.
Sleep
The number one trigger for PND is a lack of sleep and good sleep is something that becomes a distant memory in the first few months of motherhood. Taking any kind of moments to sleep where possible is vital. The one tip that I tell my pregnant friends before birth is sleep as much as you can in the lead up. Sleeping will act as a medicine for your mind so take it whenever you can get it.
Nutrition
Cooking up meals ahead of the baby’s arrival isn’t just a convenient thing to do it’s crucial because time will escape you and so will your appetite. Having wholesome meals in the freezer will become a godsend so think ahead or take any offers from friends and family to cook for you. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to further issues in that postnatal time so drinking a lot of water throughout the day, taking vitamins and eating even small amounts of good food can give you all important energy and even help with breastfeeding.
Fresh Air
Sometimes in those first few months a new Mum can feel quite isolated at home with baby day in day out so once you feel ready to be up and about it’s important to get fresh air. Light slow walks with baby will do you the world of good and putting on your favourite playlist while you do it will help ground you and connect you with the outside world.
Support
They say it takes a village to raise a child and once you become a mother this statement makes so much sense. Having family and friends around you to help with the babycare and also just sit and chat to etc is a huge plus for any new Mum. You can also rely on your Health Visitor team and your local GP should you need someone to talk to about any worries you may have.
Pressure
We have all seen it countless pictures on social media of perfect Mums and their perfect babies.. Well it’s all just a big myth truth is there are strikingly beautiful moments and then there’s the in between and don’t put pressure on yourself or your baby to do anything to soon or too perfectly because the truth is it’s all not real. Take your time, mistakes happen you and baby will go stronger together each day in time.
Movement
Movement releases all important endorphins and at the 6 week mark once you have been checked by your GP parent baby classes of yoga or Pilates are highly advised. Not only will you meet new Mothers in your area but you will gently get your body strength back. The new commitments of a busy life require a lot of energy and body strength so building that up and keeping a routine of classes will keep your body and mind in check.
Neev was speaking about mental health at The Baby Show at Olympia London. The next show returns to London ExCeL 28th February – 1st March or something similar (www.thebabyshow.co.uk)