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Discover different activities that can help you take steps toward better mental health.

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Showing 9–12 of 12 results for “Your Mental Health As A New Mother”

Move & Ground Yourself

Care for Your Mind + Body Reduce Stress Manage Anxiety & Overthinking Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Move & Ground Yourself

Doing your best to stay grounded can help reconnect you with your body and mind after welcoming a new baby.

Any of these practices make a difference, even if you're only doing them for a few minutes a day.

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    Stretching and yoga can bring some relief and relaxation to your day. Even simple movements from bed or a chair can ease pain and regain connection. It can also feel good to spend some time dancing if you're able and at your own pace.

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    Try meditative techniques that connect you with your senses. One way to do this is listing five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise helps you stay in touch with the present moment.

  • When you're able, try taking a walk outside with your baby or while they’re safely under someone else's care. It doesn't have to be for long, but use the time to mindfully pay attention to your surroundings, the weather, and any sensations you notice.

Related Emotions, Moods, & Life Challenges

Seek Professional Support and Resources

Care for Your Mind + Body Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Seek Professional Support and Resources

Welcoming a new baby can bring about new and challenging emotions. Some of them are positive, like joy and pride, while others are more difficult to handle, like anger, grief, and worry. All of these emotions are a common part of motherhood. By honoring and expressing those feelings, you support yourself and your child's well-being. If you notice changes in your emotions or mental health, like feelings becoming more intense over time or shifting quickly, it's important to let your healthcare and support system know so they can provide helpful options for support. Reaching out can be intimidating, especially if you feel fear of judgement from healthcare providers or even being reported to Child Protective Services (CPS). There are healthcare providers who want to help you get better. Don't give up your search until you find a healthcare provider who understands and respects you. Lean on your health support system (like an OB-GYN, midwife, doula, primary care physician, or your baby's pediatrician) to discover treatment options like therapy, medication, and support groups. Finding a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health care can provide relief.

Related Emotions, Moods, & Life Challenges

Care For Yourself Daily

Care for Your Mind + Body Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Care For Yourself Daily

Maintaining a self-care routine can ease the challenging process of becoming a new mother and help you feel like yourself.

These are just some things to consider incorporating into your day-to-day life:

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    Check in with your feelings emotionally and physically

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    Do your best to eat regular meals and drink plenty of water. Consider stocking a feeding station with snacks and water so you can replenish yourself whenever you sit down to feed your baby.

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    Get dressed and ready for the day, even if you're staying home

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    Try to get a few minutes of fresh air each day, either by walking or just stepping outside

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    Hygiene routines (like showering, brushing teeth, etc) can be moments to rest and reset

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    Practice journaling, which is also a great way to vent and document these special early days

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    Create distinct nighttime and daytime routines to avoid days blending together

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Cope With Guilt And Shame

Build Resilience Focus on Positivity Care for Your Mind + Body Manage Anxiety & Overthinking
Cope With Guilt And Shame

Becoming a mom is not easy, and it often comes with unexpected and unwarranted feelings of inadequacy. Some mothers experience shame when asking for help, thinking they need to "bear it all" and be resilient. The truth is, a good mother isn't defined by self-sacrifice.

To cope with guilt and shame associated with motherhood:

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    Practice affirming yourself and giving yourself grace, rather than judging yourself or feeling guilty for having common struggles. The more you treat yourself with kindness, the calmer and more confident in motherhood you'll feel.

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    Release yourself from unrealistic expectations and comparisons. Not every dish will be washed right away, and you won't always be able to put on a smiley face. Motherhood is complicated, and there's no perfect way to be a mom.

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    Therapeutic support and help from your loved ones can be powerful. Sometimes, you'll need an outside reminder that you're doing the best you can, (and your best is often enough). Therapists can also provide tools and tips to use when situations get overwhelming.

Related Emotions, Moods, & Life Challenges

Showing 9–12 of 12