Congratulations on bringing a pocket of joy into the world as a new mom – a happy and healthy baby is the most precious thing in your entire life. 

However, you shouldn’t neglect your own needs at the same time. It’s common for most new moms to assume that there’s no time to get sleep, eat right, and exercise when caring for their new infant. But your baby needs you to be as healthy as possible to provide the best life for them. 

So, we’re here to encourage you to focus on being a great mom AND living the healthy lifestyle you want. 

Here are four ways to manage both responsibilities. 

1. Focus on Fitness

As a new mom, it’s easy to stress about losing weight and looking attractive after pregnancy. But the most important thing is to make sure you keep fit and healthy by doing regular exercise that works for you and your baby’s routine. This way, you’re focusing on feeling your best, so you can perform your best as a mom.

There are plenty of popular ways to work out that you can even do in your own space, from yoga and pilates. If you’re suffering from an injury, don’t let that stop you from getting back to your fitness goals; you can invest in physical therapy at home. 

If you’d prefer to get out and socialize, you can enroll in plenty of classes, including yoga with your baby. If you’re feeling ready, you can always go to the gym and challenge yourself accordingly, but listening to your body’s needs is the most important thing.

2. Continue to Eat Well After Pregnancy

Your body is your temple: you have just brought a bundle of joy into the world. You need to thank your body and nourish it as best you can. 

One way you can do this is to ensure you eat healthy foods. A balanced healthy diet comprising at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day is crucial. New moms should also consume more calories, especially if breastfeeding, to support the extra energy needed. 

f you’re eating a rainbow diet, where every meal is colorful, you will naturally be eating the correct nutrients you need to support yourself. 

3. Make Time For Sleep

As a new mom, it can be hard to get enough sleep – remember that it will get better! Do make sure to get to sleep whenever you can; if your baby’s napping, this means it’s also time for you to snooze. If you accept that your sleeping pattern will be askew for a few months, this might make the adjustment easier for you – do remember it’s only temporary. 

Studies have found that 75% of women also get less sleep or have disturbed sleep when pregnant and have just given birth. Prioritizing sleep is difficult but essential for new mothers, so be kind to yourself if you struggle with getting rest and focus on relaxing for the sake of your baby. 

You might need to let other things go if you don’t have the time. It’s better to use your free time sleeping and catching up on rest than changing the sheets, doing laundry, or vacuuming.

4. Treat Yourself!

Being a new mom is hard – don’t undervalue the hard work you’re doing – you deserve a rest and treat yourself. Of course, some easy and worthwhile treats are having a nap, eating gourmet food, or going to an exercise class, but if those don’t appeal as much, you can always have an at-home spa day, do nothing, and watch a film or read a magazine. 

Remember that there isn’t a right or wrong way to wind down but make sure you let yourself rest and relax whenever you can. Whatever restores you at the end of the day works! 

Achieving Life/Baby Balance

As a super-mom, it can be hard to make time for yourself and prioritize your needs, but for your baby to be happy and healthy, you also need to look after yourself. 

Make sure to eat right and stay as healthy as you can as well as make time for the small things in life that make you happy, like reading or doing your nails.