Last September Lachy and I become proud parents to Dashiel Hunter Doley. I still feel so lucky to have such a beautiful baby! Although, for any new mum, adjusting to the pressures of looking after a newborn is not easy. I thought today I’d write about some of the things that have helped me to feel more in control again.
1) Exercise – get out and about with the pram
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is a walk every day. Now that you’re attached at the hip to a small child, getting to the gym won’t be so easy. A walk with the pram is wonderful for breaking up the monotony of being house bound, clears the head, helps get bub to sleep and is great for fitness.
2) Get out of the house every day
Being home all day is incredibly isolating, especially when previously easy tasks like tidying up or popping to the shops are so much more difficult. I found that making an effort to go out somewhere every day makes a massive difference – whether it be a coffee or lunch with a friend or just going out for a hair appointment, doctor’s appointment, trip to the shops or whatever….whilst it might take me a long time to get out the door, I feel so much better for doing so.
3) Spend some time reconnecting with things you enjoy
I’ve made a conscious effort to try and do things like pick up my guitar, to try and bake something new and to get back into writing blog posts. Some days it might take forever to do any one of those things but even 20 minutes of doing something you enjoy while baby is sleeping is truly wonderful.
4) Join a new mothers group
I’ve actually really enjoyed joining a mothers group – it’s fantastic to be able to speak to mothers going through the same things at the same time and to ask all those poop related questions you’re too embarrassed to discuss with your non-mother friends.
5) Accept that some days things will be out of your control
I think I really struggled with not being able to have control over my day. There are those days where the baby does not want to stop crying or does not want to go to sleep where you just can’t get anything done. I’m gradually learning that at this point in my life, my priority needs to be Dash. It all pays off when I see him smile!!
6) Enlist help!
We’ve started using a cleaner once a fortnight and I have to say it has been such a big help! I honestly don’t know how I would get to all the housework otherwise. Two hours a fortnight has made a massive difference. Otherwise asking for help from friends or family to help out when you’re having a rough day is really important!! A friend recently delivered me some home cooked meals, and it was the best gift I could have been given!!
7) Make time to enjoy your maternity leave!
I’m on a mission to make sure I get the most out of my maternity leave by doing activities I won’t be able to do once I’m back at work, like mum and bubs movies, and guided art tours at the museum. It’s a great way to spend time with your bub and with other mums.
Motherhood is a massive adjustment, but like all things in life, it gets easier with time….and the rewards are absolutely wonderful!!
