When people talk about raising kids, the main focus tends to be on the child’s health and wellbeing. Of course, this is a top priority. But a joint priority should be taking care of your own health and wellbeing too. You need to take good care of yourself in order to take good care of your baby. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you to achieve this!
Before Your Baby Arrives
When you’re pregnant, your baby is entirely dependent on you looking after yourself and your own body for the sake of their healthy development. Here are a few areas to focus on!
Considering What You Eat
Most pregnant women are aware that there are certain foods that shouldn’t be eaten during pregnancy, or that should be eaten in particular ways. But many are surprised by the extent of these items. Any foods that pose a risk of making you ill need to be avoided, as well as foods that could directly impact your growing baby inside you.
Some examples of foods you should be avoiding include soft cheeses with white rinds – this could include brie and camembert – and mold-ripened soft goat’s cheeses, such as chevre. Another category of cheeses that you should steer clear of include soft, blue veined cheeses. All of these are potentially dangerous, as they could infect you with listeria.
Admittedly, the condition is rare, but it’s really not worth the risk. Another food to avoid to swerve listeria is pate. Some others to add to your list to avoid include raw or partially cooked eggs and raw or uncooked meat or fish, liver and game. Certain fish such as shark, swordfish, or marlin also need to be cut out of your diet.
Consider Gentle Exercise
Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy and you may not be feeling up to a full workout. In fact, a full workout is generally discouraged, as it could pose a fall risk, which could be potentially hazardous. However, gentle exercise – as recommended by a doctor – can be good for you too. It can stretch you out, loosen stiff or sore joints and help you to feel productive.
Once Your Baby Arrives
Once your baby arrives, they’ll be less dependent on your body as an environment they’re growing within. But this doesn’t mean you should throw self care out of the window. You need to be well rested, in good shape and happy to provide your baby with the best upbringing possible. The following tips should help.
Breastfeeding vs. Formula
The happiest babies are well fed babies – and babies can be well fed on both breast milk and formula. So, make sure to choose the option that works best for you and your baby. If you can breastfeed without any problems and want to, then great! If you want to feed your baby formula, this is great too! Just make sure they’re getting enough. You can find a formula preparation guide here.
Getting Sufficient Rest
Of course, this step is easier said than done. When a little one is crying all hours of the night and you need to earn a living too, it’s easy to slip into sleep deprivation. But do your utmost to get sufficient rest. If your baby has nodded off and is deep asleep, then could be a good time for you to take a much needed nap too. Other commitments can generally be put off a little while you catch those precious z’s!
Making Time for Friends and Family
Again, this step may feel easier said than done. But it’s a good idea to have someone to mind your little one while you have a bit of a life to yourself now and then too. Catching up with a friend over a coffee, meeting your own parents for lunch, or having a night out once your little one is a little older will help you to maintain a sense of wellbeing. You need to remember that you’re your own individual as well as a parent. Balance is key to happiness and you’ll return to your little one happy and content.
These are just a few different ways you can take care of yourself, both during pregnancy and once your little one has arrived. Remember, you need to be happy and healthy if you want to provide your child with the best. Hopefully, the above advice will help you to achieve this!
Kori
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