There’s always been said that pregnancy is the most beautiful journey of every mother. I had to say, not everyone went through the same path. There is always this stereotype going around that makes us feel we can’t even be honest about this process. Sometimes being pregnant is not as colorful as they say. I can’t relate to that because during my first pregnancy I hated the idea of my husband being around me. I remember that I had to sleep sitting on my bed for months trying to get some rest. Some of us have experienced terrible sleeping habits, hair loss, stomach problems, mood changes, etc. But, have you wonder, why do they think that is over when we gave birth?

Even when delivering a baby it’s a physiological process. Postpartum is a healing part when our body starts recovering from the inside out. This entire process could last a few weeks up-to a year. It is a funny thing to say, because most of the people I know does not find this as an actual thing. I gotta say it is, and woman need you to understand that fact. Adjusting to Motherhood can be extremely demanding. You will have the responsibility to take care of your baby and yourself as well. Some of us skip the part of self-care even when it is so important in this process. As you may know, a child needs a lot of your attention and that could be overwhelming by those sleepless night’s. You will encounter an entirely different routine and that’s going to make you feel tired. Good news for us! Eventually, you will get in track with it and I’ll be easier than ever.

Let’s talk about embracing motherhood with some self-care advice

1. GET MUCH REST AS YOU CAN- A newborn eats almost every two hours, which means you will be getting up a few times per night. Try to put the habit of getting naps every time your baby falls asleep. This might help you feed her/him without so much tiresome. Charge those batteries. ⚡

2. IMPLEMENT HEALTHY DIETS- You have to increase proteins, grains, fruits, beans, and vegetables to your personal diet. Like chicken, fish, or meat. Snack time it’s not an exception, try to have some yogurt, peanut butter, and any milk substitute. Also, maintain an extreme amount of fluids going in your system, even if you are not breastfeeding. Those drinks can be combined as water, milk, juices (preferably natural), or smoothies. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

3. DON’T HESITATE WHEN IT COMES TO HELP- You need to seek as much help as you can. I understand that when we become mothers we find ourselves as the only person able to take care of our baby. Keep this in mind, we are completely capable of doing it, but we’re also humans that get tired, need sometimes off, etc. More importantly, your body is on a healing process that you may have to follow step by step in order to get better. Start a partnership! Let the father be, he had every right to take care of you both, let him play his role. Another help you should consider is joining a club of mothers that could help each other through the dialogue. Listening to others journey would definitely let you realize that everyone, in this case, has experienced what you are going through at the moment. They could help you get to prepare for those phases that might come with the baby’s growth.

4. LOVE YOUR BODY AND EXERCISE- No matter which way you gave birth, at this point you need to keep your doctor’s instructions in mind. He/She will tell when your body is ready to work out. Start with some walking around the house, then you can think about going out. After giving birth we found ourselves having a whole of hormones going up and down. There is that moment when we face the idea that our bodies have changed. We had weight gain, stretch marks, saggy breasts (usually after breastfeeding). It’s totally normal to gain a few pounds during pregnancy, do not feel ashamed for it. On the contrary, you have carried another human being inside you. Isn’t that just amazing? I encourage you to gather the value that mother nature gave you, because we are empowered females, enjoy the journey that’s about to continue with all the confidence you can. I believed that every woman has their own beauty and motherhood had their way to show it.

5. BE AWARE OF POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION- Emotions are still fragile during this period they can get confused with depression or psychosis. Many of us fear a baby coming home and that’s totally understanding, but if these symptoms last more than 2 weeks you should seek some help from your primary health care:

• Feeling restless or moody
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
• Crying a lot
• Having thoughts of hurting the baby
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself
• Not having any interest in the baby, not feeling connected to the baby, or feeling as if your baby is someone else’s baby
• Having no energy or motivation
• Eating too little or too much
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Having trouble focusing or making decisions
• Having memory problems
• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mother
• Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don’t go away

https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

Having a baby it’s a challenge that gets the entire family changed. It is important for you and your partner to understand that at the beginning of this adventure there will be less time together as a couple. Our focus is on the baby’s need, without taking anyone for granted. I’m sure that’s something you both can restore. Create new memories as a family. Create a new whole schedule for you and your partner when the baby’s sleeping or calm. Invert into each other. Do not get lost in the way, you will have plenty of time to do everything you just have to remake a plan for you both to intimate. Prioritize your relationship.