How can you recharge your batteries on maternity/parental leave?

Even before the baby is born, we think about what all to get for the baby gear. After birth, we again don’t want to ruin breastfeeding. We can agree that the postpartum period is the most demanding for a mother when it comes to caring for the baby and for herself, but later on a mother can still become exhausted and needs to recharge her batteries. How can she do that?

Ask for help

Unfortunately, today’s society is set up the other way around, and asking for help can seem like a failure. That is not the case, and none of us should be ashamed of needing help. You can look for it in your family, among friends, or even pay for it. What kinds of things can we get help with? For example:

• taking the baby out in the stroller or carrying them;
• cooking;
• cleaning;
• folding laundry from the dryer;
• ironing; 
• looking after an older child;
• finding a community of moms who help one another.

Make time for yourself

In addition to asking for help, it is great when a woman makes time for herself too. It can be just a few minutes a day that help her regain physical and mental strength. It can be very ordinary things like:

• eating well (broth, eggs, liver, avocado, healthy fats) - the diet of a breastfeeding mother is very important;
• relaxing and doing nothing;
• reading a book or magazine;
• working out at home, going for a run;
• yoga, gym;
• home wellness;
• massage;
• manicure, pedicure;
• hairdresser, beautician;
• sleep.

When help is not nearby

It may happen that your family lives far away or your partner has left you and you are alone in managing the household and caring for the child. These things may help:

• sleeping with the baby in one bed - you do not have to get up at night;
• carrying the baby in a wrap or carrier - you have free hands for household tasks that you otherwise would not manage with the baby;
• spending 20 minutes of full attention on the child each day so they feel fulfilled;
• getting a learning tower (for toddlers) - it will help you in the kitchen and the child will not be hanging on your leg; they will be able to watch what you are doing;
• adjusting the environment so it is baby friendly (child-friendly) and you do not have to keep watching the child and telling them not to do things;
• getting household helpers - a robot vacuum, dishwasher, dryer;
• online grocery shopping with delivery - a very common thing these days, so there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Write down what makes you happy and recharges your batteries

It is great if you come up with a lot, even 100 items, so you have plenty to choose from later. After all, you cannot always go for a walk in the forest or take a hot bath. Tips for recharging your batteries:

• good food;
• chocolate;
• a walk in the forest;
• yoga or other exercise;
• favorite series on Netflix;
• cinema, theatre;
• shopping;
• cooking, baking;
• handicrafts - sewing, knitting, crocheting;
• a hot bath, candles, music;
• writing a journal or blog;
• sex;
• being in the sun;
• walking barefoot on grass, on sand;
• listening to favorite music;
• meditation;
• a hug from your partner;
• coffee or tea;
• less time on screens (phone, computer, TV);
• a community of people with the same mindset;
• etc.

Whatever helps you through the demanding days of motherhood, don’t forget to make time for yourself and for the little joys that bring back your lost energy and good mood.