Bouncing back from a long maternity leave, as a working mother, can be a challenge. It can be more difficult if you’re a new mother trying to navigate your way around new terrain, create a new routine and make time for yourself. If you or someone you know is going through this phase, the following tips could be some of the best advice during this period.
1. Take it one day at a time. This might sound foreign to the ears of someone who’s always on-the-go, loves routine and lives somewhat of an “organized” life. But it’s crucial to take things slow in order to keep up with yourself. If not, you’ll end up burning yourself out and getting frustrated.
Advice: Give yourself at least six months to live a routine-free life post-partum. This reduces the pressure of “getting it together” in a short period after an ordeal like childbirth.
2. Don’t feel guilty for not making time for friends. You might not have that extra time and even if you did you may want to spend it on yourself, alone. And that’s okay too. Your first six to eight months should come with a green pass for this.
Advice: Have a conversation with your close friends to manage expectations and gain their support. Support is one of the best things they can do for you during this period.
3. Make time for yourself. Spending time with the family isn’t making time for yourself. Being alone with your baby isn’t making time for yourself. Spending time with your partner, although crucial during this period, isn’t making time for yourself. Making time for yourself can simply be taking time out to be alone in the bedroom by yourself, watching an interesting TV show alone, reading a good book or simply zoning out while listening to music alone. These moments are needed to help you to recharge and provide some sense of control over your life at the moment.
Advice: If spending a bit of time away from your newborn makes you feel guilty, remind yourself that you need the energy in order to be fully present. Take the opportunity to refuel.
You will eventually fall into a rhythm and be ready to create a new routine that works for your lifestyle. But until then, enjoy every moment of your life as a new mother because you’ll never get back lost moments.