2 minute read
Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists
BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
Mother’s Day is the time to celebrate all the moms in your life, and how exciting for you first-time moms! With a sweet little baby to take care of, you have entered a wonderful season of life. But, with all there is to do, it can be easy to forget that you need to take care of yourself. After all, you have gone through tremendous physical and emotional changes. The following tips may help you adjust, and thrive, to life as a new mom. • Get more sleep. Sleep when your baby is sleeping. You need a break, and you need sleep. Everything else can wait. • Relax. Do something relaxing when possible. Try listening to music or reading a book. • Eat well. Relying on comfort food too much will make you feel worse. You don’t need to give up all your goodies, but fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meat, and (not too many) simple carbohydrates will help nourish you back to health — and to your pre-pregnancy body. • Hydrate. Drinking enough water after pregnancy is very important to keep your body in balance. This is especially true if you are breastfeeding; dehydration can affect your milk supply. • Exercise. Try to do some physical activity on most days, such as walking, weights and using elliptical machines.
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Spring is the perfect time to get outside and push your baby in the stroller. • Make things simple. For example, use paper plates and plastic cups to make kitchen cleaning easier. Better yet, have someone else clean the kitchen if possible. • Make your needs known. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
While women are incredible multitaskers, motherhood can be challenging, so help often is needed. If you take it all on yourself, resentment can grow into anger or depression. • Be honest. Be open with yourself and others if you are feeling blue. Hormones and the life changes of having a baby can be overwhelming. It’s imperative to share these feelings with your doctor. • Spend time with friends. It is especially helpful to be around other mothers with babies and children of similar ages. This support is important and encouraging as you experience these new changes.
By taking care of your physical and emotional health, you will be able enjoy this wonderful time of your life and be the best possible mom for your new bundle of joy. Happy Mother’s Day!
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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