This Is For Every Exhausted New Mom

Being the exhausted new mom isn't easy but someone has to do it – kidding! From one mom to another, here are some great tips to combat that exhaustion.

You don't know exhaustion until you have a child.

I used to hate when people would say this to me before I had children. “You don't know my life,” I thought.

Now, I get it. Now, I'm the exhausted new mom.

The exhaustion isn't from a few sleepless nights. It's from being ON all the time. Moms don't get breaks. Even if we get a nap every once in awhile, our brains don't stop.

We're exhausted from worrying, caring, and giving all of our attention to our young children.

Here's how to combat new mom exhaustion

Having a baby is physically exhausting; it can be difficult to stay on top of the fatigue and take care of the newborn at the same time. Just the thought of having to deal with a newborn all day, every day can be tiring.

The following are tips for new mothers to help combat this exhaustion.

1. Sleep Whenever Possible

This is a well known piece of advice given to new mothers all the time and a very good one. It's also an annoying one and one of the many things moms are sick of hearing.

That's because sleeping is much easier said than done. However, it's incredibly important. You're probably wondering, “When am I supposed to sleep”?

My advice is to take advantage of literally every moment when you can sleep. This means sleeping when baby sleeps and finishing the chores later. I know it's tempting to get things done or spend some time with yourself as baby sleeps but you need to be well rested for your mental health.

2. Accept Help From Spouse/Family/Friends

It is very difficult to do it all on your own. When you're super exhausted after having your baby, enlist the help of family and friends. More often than not ,they will be very willing to help. In fact, it's very likely that you've had plenty of offers already. Even if it's just to care for your newborn for an hour or two while you take a long nap – accept the help!

I understand how scary it is to allow someone else to care for your child, but that isn't the only way they can help. Allow (or ask) friends and family to help with cooking and chores! This will be a major help and relieve stress!

For those of you in a relationship, your significant other should be there as well. Talk to them in advance and make it very clear to them that you will expect their help.

A really great idea is to take on shifts with spouse. You both need sleep, so you can each spend a few hours with the baby as the other sleeps. If you're a breastfeeding mom, I recommend pumping a few bottles of milk to allow your spouse to help with feedings.

RELATED: I'm Grieving The End of Breastfeeding

They should help with the household chores as well. A lot of new mothers feel that they need to catch up on housework while the newborn is napping. With the help of others, you shouldn't have to worry about doing it all on your own.

3. Eat Properly

A healthy diet is one thing many new mothers overlook when dealing with their newborn. You feel like you barely have the time to feed, burp, and change your baby before you have to do it all again.

Basically, your physical health is the last thing on your mind. However, eating properly will naturally increase your energy making you more present, happier, and overall increasing wellness.

If you're breastfeeding, this is even more important because your baby is taking all of those important nutrients from you!

Food high in iron and protein will provide some of the energy needed to care for your baby; even with minimal sleep. It will not erase the exhaustion altogether, but it should help provide that extra boost.

4. Rest Your Mind

Remember how I mentioned the overthinking, worrying, and constant thinking with a new child? It's very important to take the time to rest your mind.

You can do so with a few of these tips:

• Listen to interesting/entertaining audiobooks on Amazon's Audible
• Listen to music that calms you.
• Read physical books to distract you.
• Spend time in nature.
• Lay down and binge watch a TV series.
• Have an adult conversation.
• Write in a journal.

5. Partake in Self-Care

Finally, the exhausted new mom should partake in self-care. Allowing herself to relax and do the things she enjoys, will help her to be a better mother.

I recommend these 50 Self-Care Ideas For Moms

I hope these tips can help new mothers with exhaustion. I know we can't rest as much as we once did, but it's important to give yourself a break when you can. And, my number one tip for moms is to ACCEPT THE ADVICE!

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