Maternity Leave
I read something the other day that said this: “Maternity leave is the most busy-bored, happy-sad, you’ll ever be. While also the most tired you’ve ever been. It’s the farthest thing from a vacation and the closest thing to a mental breakdown. IDK how else to describe it. It’s a weird time.”
UMMMMMMMMM 100000% yes! Can we say it louder for the people in the back who literally have ZERO clue to actually what goes on?
The laundry. The dishes. The cleaning. The bathing. The cooking. The EVERYTHING. Time doesn’t stop – it surely speeds TF up. ALL while learning how to take care of this new sweet baby AND while navigating your new body, life and mental health. It’s the farthest thing from a vacation and you don’t get that until you’re actually in it.
Below are tips for navigating your maternity leave:
Have zero expectations besides to get through the day – if you can shower, brush your teeth and eat while taking care of baby – that’s a WIN!
Don’t be afraid to put baby down in a safe place OR to wear baby on your chest in a wrap – you will be surprised how much you can get done while wearing baby
a. Supportive Baby wrap – https://a.co/d/4Rc4XLG
b. Baby swing – https://a.co/d/b7zJXXw
ASK FOR HELP!!! This is HUGE and it took me a HOT MINUTE to do so. But once you do ask for help, whether it’s for an hour or a few hours, it allows you to sleep, get out of the house, do something that makes you happy, to have alone time etc. It’s amazing how getting help can truly be a huge relief.
Before baby is born – talk to your partner or friend about something that is a non-negotiable for you to do daily and have them hold you accountable. It might sound silly but it truly works wonders. Mine were to shower, do my skincare and eating all my meals and water to ensure I was giving my body and Maverick the nutrients needed and to help with milk supply. I truly felt so great each day after being able to shower and do my skincare. It was my win for the day no matter what time is was completed. But think of something that makes you happy and that is just for YOU and do that.
This is important – if you’re feeling depressed, anxious, unsure of how to feel – talk to your doctor! Get the help, medication or whatever it is that is necessary to make you feel good and not suffer.
If you’re planning on returning to work post baby – do your best to not check your work email or work phone. To not think about when you need to go back to work. It will be overwhelming thinking of what’s ahead – just focus on the now.
Lastly, take the emotions as they come. Postpartum is such a journey and everyone’s is going to be different.