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The arrival of your new baby is a life-changing experience, and it’s normal to feel excited, exhausted, and anxious all at once. In order to be the best possible parent to your new child, you must make sure to take care of yourself. Here are some ways to maintain your sanity and your sense of self while caring for your wee one.

If you are a new Mum, do not fret about leftover baby weight. Instead, turn your focus to your general health, and make sure that you are eating plenty of balanced meals, drinking enough water, and taking your vitamins, especially if you are breastfeeding. Heed your doctor’s instructions for recovering from your child’s birth, especially if you had a c-section. If you crave physical activity and are able, take a walk or dance while your baby naps in a sling or carrier.

Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your overall well-being, and newborns are notorious for waking up every couple of hours. Share the nighttime parenting with your partner so that you are not the only one suffering from the effects of little sleep. Try splitting the night into shifts or taking turns getting up when the baby wakes. During the day, sleep when the baby sleeps. A catnap or two can do wonders for your mood after an especially rough night.

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Losing your sense of self in the hustle and bustle of new parenthood is easy to do, but “me time” can mitigate this problem. Whether you spend it soaking in the tub, sipping a glass of wine, reading a book or checking your email, having a few quiet minutes to yourself each day can be a sanity-saver. Work out a solution with your partner or a family member that allows you to take a much-needed break and recharge.

Your friends can be a great mood-booster during the post-partum period, whether they have kids or not. Friends who are parents can offer invaluable advice and support, but keeping up with your child-free friends is important, too. Schedule time to see friends in person as often as you can, and don’t feel guilty about attending social outings without your baby.

Finding a trusted babysitter early in your child’s life is a great way to make life easier when you have a newborn. Not only does it allow you and your partner some essential alone time as a couple, but it gets your baby used to spending time with other caregivers.

While feeling stressed is a normal part of being a new parent, make sure that you and your partner are aware of the symptoms of post-partum depression (PPD). Do not be afraid to reach out for help if things seem unbearable or you find yourself unable to care for yourself or your baby. With some help from your doctor, PPD is treatable, so there is no reason to make yourself suffer quietly.

Caring for your new baby may leave you sapped and drained, so it is essential to make time for yourself in order to maintain your mental and physical well-being. The ideas in this article can help you hold onto your health and your sense of self while you adjust to being a parent.