5 Ways To Cope With Post-Partum Life

I am 10 days postpartum with my third child. I love this time, I mean... its hard, sleepless, and full of all kinds of discomfort...but its sweet. Don't let the baby blues get you off your rhythm and rob you of this precious time with your new babe. Here are five tips to keep you at your best!

1. Healthy Snacks! A basket of healthy snacks near your nursing station makes a huge difference. Especially fruits that are hydrating and rich in fiber. Don't take advantage and overindulge, (that will make you feel worse), but a crisp apple during that midnight feeding will wake you up and help keep you regular. (Hey, it matters!)

2. Shower Often! A shower helps beyond words! It keeps you feeling clean, fresh, and productive. Even if you get out and style a clean pair of sweat pants! The heat helps with all those muscle aches as well as the pain of your very full breasts do to your early milk supply.

3. Get Ready! At least once each day, even if it's not till 2 o'clock in the afternoon! Whatever getting ready means to you, DO IT! Its good for your mental health to take some time, put yourself together, and have positive self-talk. For me, it means a light face of makeup, a little bit of effort on my hair, and putting on clean loungewear. I cannot stress enough how valuable it is to take this time. Depression aside, your hormones are shifting and changing drastically, the most even-tempered of women and can feel a little like falling apart.

4. Don't Stress Over The Sleep Deprivation! Sleep when baby sleeps, do what you can, but then let it go. Don't worry about how tired you are. Don't stress about the amount of sleep you're going to get in this 24 hour period. It will just cause more anxiety. Remind yourself that this is just a season and it does not last very long. Allow yourself a reasonable amount of caffeine if you need it, eat lots of fresh fruits, and practice some deep breathing to help you maintain a calm emotional state.

5. Get Out Of The House! Make sure you take opportunities to get out of the house as often as you can. Take advantage of good weather with a short walk. Even a few minutes of fresh air on the porch can turn your day around.