As a busy new mum with a small baby to look after it may seem impossible to get that little bit of �me-time�. Here are some expert top tips to nurture and look after YOU!
Looking after a young baby is demanding on the body, mind and spirit, so it is important for mums to give themselves the time to rest and relax. Easier said than done, we hear you say but there are some simple techniques that you can integrate into your daily life to help you relax with your baby.
1. The first thing is to try to rest or sleep when your baby sleeps. There is a tendency for us to try to be superwoman, so when baby naps instead of resting, we rush around catching up on household chores. Yet the most important job at the moment is to nurture and look after your baby. By catching up on lost sleep means you will be less frazzled and able to cope better with the challenges of looking after a little one.
2. But what about when baby is awake? Believe it or not, it is possible to actually create a focused relaxation phase with your baby. You will be amazed how your energy levels can influence your baby�s and if you are calm and relaxed your baby is too. Helena Bingham is a doula and pre-natal and post-natal yoga teacher for MamababyBliss and she has put together a fantastic relaxation exercise to try with your baby.
RELAXATION EXERCISE
Find a comfortable spot for you to lie with your baby � make sure the phone is off. You can now a) place your legs up on a chair so your back is nicely grounded for full support or b) place a rolled up blanket or cushion under each knee whilst lying on the floor. Baby can either lie on your chest or by your side on a blanket. This way, your baby can really pick up on the relaxed energy too. Play some soft music and dim the lights � lighting a candle can also help to set a mood.
Now pay attention to your breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply into your belly. Imagine it is like a vase � as you breathe in, your belly expands, as you breathe out your belly comes in. Begin with five breathes and build up to more. Do this exercise as often as you can and you�ll feel calm and revived afterwards.
3. As well as sleep, good nutrition is vital. Try and eat loads of fruits and vegetables. Small and frequent meals are a bonus to keep your energy levels constant. Bigger meals will make you feel heavy and tired. Fresh juices and high-energy snacks are a great help such as fresh or dried fruits and yes, it sounds clich� but make sure you drink lots of water and herbal teas. And remember, whatever the celebrity hype, this is not the time to worry about your post-baby weight, so don�t deny yourself a tasy biscuit or a delicious piece of dark chocolate!
Finally, don�t feel guilty about taking some time for you. Indulge in a nice long candlelit bath when your partner comes home. Many mums feel guilty because they are not going out to work. Remember that looking after a baby is a full-time job. What�s more it�s hard, 24/7 and not paid. But let�s face it, it�s also the most worthwhile job in the whole wide world. You deserve to enjoy it.
April 2008
� Justina Perry
www.mamababybliss.com
Justina Perry holds a distinction in the International Therapist�s Executive Council qualification for anatomy, physiology and massage and is a Guild of Infant and Child Massage instructor for baby massage and baby yoga. Her company MamaBabyBliss specialises in treatments, services and natural skincare dedicated to the wellbeing of mothers, babies and mother- to-be. Please visit www.mamababybliss.com for further information.
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