6 Self Care Tips for New Moms | Vancouver Newborn Photographer
As a photographer of babies and families, a toddler mom, and a former postpartum anxiety sufferer, I’ve learned the importance of self care in maintaining my physical and mental health. As much as I love my newborn photo shoots, I’m up on a ladder, in a hot room, rocking babies to sleep, contorting my body (I even did all of this up until 9 months pregnant!), and when I get home it’s straight to “mom” duty, with little time left for myself.
I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring your own needs to focus on the needs of others will eventually catch up to you. So I’m not even joking you, now I SCHEDULE self care for myself, otherwise there’s always something “more important” and I don’t get to it!
I’ve gathered some great recommendations from other moms I’ve met here in South Surrey/White Rock since we moved here, and wanted to share them. Here are a few things I’ve done that have made a noticeable difference to my well-being:
1) Book mom’s days off. This was a hard one for me, since I always thought it was my job to be there 100% for my son when I wasn’t working. But it’s so important to have some time off, without the kids, and if this means taking a personal day while your kid’s in daycare, do it! This weekend I went for the first time ever to the Scandinave Spa in Whistler, which was exactly what I needed to clear my head: no phones are allowed, you can’t talk while you’re in there, and you have unlimited access to the hot/cold pools for the entire day. I booked a Swedish massage as a belated birthday gift from my husband, which was as amazing as I was told they are, and their Covid-19 protocol was top notch.
2) Update your closet. A lot of us don’t have the extra money for a shopping spree during this time, however now is the perfect time of year to purge your closet of old clothes that don’t feel like you anymore, and get just a few timeless, quality pieces that will be worn time and time again. Lately I’m all about quality over quantity, and supporting local businesses. In South Surrey, I LOVE Muse Fashion House and Crush Clothing. Replacing old clothes with just 3-4 new pieces you love is great for your mental health, and you deserve to treat yourself!
3) Adopt a minimalist lifestyle. My toddler has SO. MANY. TOYS, and so many great clothes that were gifted to him that he grow out of before he even had a chance to wear it! The clutter of so much stuff can sometimes feel overwhelming and unnecessary. I now shop religiously at Once Upon a Child in Langley for my son’s toys and clothes - so many of their items are so gently used, and some never even used at all. I’ve just been told there’s now a South Surrey location.
4) Eat for YOUR body. I’m over the fad diets or strictly eliminating certain types of food. We all have different bodies, metabolisms, and dietary needs, so what works for one doesn’t always work for another. Personally, I’m noticing higher energy levels with more of a plant based diet, with a higher intake of fruit and vegetables. I’ve switched to oat milk, coconut yogurt, and more nuts and legumes for protein rather than meat.. A trip to Natures Fair feels like a fun field trip, full of so many delicious treasures! Some of my favourites are Spread ‘Em’s cashew cheeses, which really are just a delicious dip, and Yoggu coconut yogurt - I swear I ate a whole jar of the mango one in one sitting. For lunch I’ve been having avocado toast with a fried egg, or a large salad, and for dinner I indulge in whatever I feel like eating… it’s all about balance!
5) Book workout classes. I tried the whole “work out with online classes whenever I feel like it” plan, and pretty much never felt like it, so I didn’t really commit to a program. I’ve found some amazing classes through The Motherhood Project, which offers a great variety of prenatal and postpartum workouts in South Surrey and Delta, as well as a wonderful sense of community. I’ve also now started an outdoor fitness class by Goodbrand Fitness, Gabby is local mom and her class is full of moms! If you can’t make it to her classes, you can still sign up and feel a sense of accountability through her live streamed classes she’ll be starting in the fall.
6) Find a hobby. This sounds so obvious, but how many of us do it? I’m lucky to be able to do my hobby as a job, but if you can’t, use your mom’s days off to try some things you haven’t. Join a virtual book club, explore some local trails, try a new DIY project, take an online class in something that peaks your interest… it doesn’t have to be an in-person activity. You never know, you could end discovering a passion for something you never would have expected.
What have you all done for self care that has made a noticeable difference to your physical and mental health? Share your wisdom in the comments below!