When you spend so much time taking care of other people, it’s easy to forget about yourself! Especially during the holiday season when your to-do list is never-ending, you may feel inclined to push your own needs to the side in order to prioritize something else. However, as Shivani Patel, M.D. from UT Southwestern Medical Center explains, “Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.”
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out to your partner, family members, or friends to ask for help as well as receive adequate care. That includes making your self-care a priority, which may entail:
- Ensuring proper nutrition. What you put into your body is crucial for having the energy you need to take care of yourself, your baby, and your family. Verywell Family recommends taking your prenatal vitamins, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and taking in 500 extra calories each day.
- Exercising consistently. You may have heard that endorphins are released after you exercise, which help to relieve stress and improve your mood. The Columbia Basin Health Association suggests moving your body more, whether it’s going for quick walks or taking a yoga class.
- Getting plenty of rest. With your baby waking up every 2-3 hours throughout the night, exhaustion is likely catching up to you! It’s crucial to ensure that you get the rest you need to go about your day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture WIC Breastfeeding Support encourages sleeping while your baby sleeps, going to bed early, sharing the night with your partner or family, and trying relaxation techniques.
- Participating in activities that make you happy. Although a lot may change when you become a parent, it’s critical to still do the things that you enjoy. Whether that includes getting out of the house and treating yourself to a massage or even staying home and taking an exfoliating shower, Verywell Family recommends getting help from a family member or friend each week so you can have a minute to yourself.
A self-care routine looks different for everyone, but what’s most important is prioritizing the things that make you feel energized, relieve your stress, and help you to put your best foot forward as a parent and partner or spouse. At SOLMA, we believe in providing breastfeeding parents with the tools they need to make their breastfeeding journey an easy one. Contribute to your self-care by purchasing our teas!
🎧 Listen to SOLMA on The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast
SOLMA co-founder Daniela Procopio was a guest on The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast!
In this episode, Daniela talks about the top five galactagogues included in SOLMA Tea, courage in starting a new business, navigating business challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome, and more.
Tune in now through the button below to hear Daniela's inspiring journey as she shares her secrets to success as a mompreneur and founder of SOLMA.
Are you a new breastfeeding parent who is looking for a community who truly gets it? We’re here for you. Email us at any time with questions, comments, or concerns. Let SOLMA give you one less thing to worry about! 💜
