Healthy Living Tips for New Moms + Giveaway

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SipandBeFit #CollectiveBias

As a new mom, it can be really hard to take care of yourself with a little one becoming the center of your world.  But it’s so important to make sure you are taking care of yourself so you can take care of your baby!  So, here are my tried-and-true healthy living tips for new moms:

1.  Hydrate.
Definitely first on the list.  Hydrating when you are pregnant is important, and it is just as important while you are nursing. The pros out there suggest drinking an 8oz each time you nurse. Lack of the appropriate amount of water/fluids is proven to increase your fatigue, and you don’t need any more than what you may already be feeling!  My beverage of choice is usually water, but sometimes it just gets old, so I definitely gravitate towards something with a sweet fruit taste, but doesn’t have a ton of calories (or sugar).

I checked out my options at Walmart and stocked up on a few tasty drinks…

 
I grabbed the Diet Peach Tea Snapple, Neuro Bliss, and Brasilia Blueberry Bai5.  (I want to try that Vita Coco soon too!) They are all pretty low in calories and taste great- a nice pick me up and change from water when I get tired of it.


2.  Snack smart.
It’s hard to find time to prepare full out recipes (or meals), so having smart snacks around to curb your appetite is really helpful.  It’s easy to grab a handful of chips or in my case- chocolate chips.  But I try to keep fresh fruit and veggies on hand in single serve containers so I can just grab it and go.  I also try to make a habit of hydrating and having a snack (beverage + fruit + lactation cookie, usually) when I am pumping to keep up my supply and to keep my energy going throughout the day in case I forget to eat (it happens, trust me!)  It’s so important to get those nutrients in so you can pass them on to your little.

3.  Shower.
Let’s face it.  Sometimes it’s difficult to find the time to shower everyday (and on days when you aren’t leaving the house, why bother, right?!) But honestly, a shower will make you feel like a million bucks.  Turn on that warm water, lather up with your favorite body wash scent and just close your eyes.  It’s invigorating and almost as good as a nap.  Almost.

4.  Take those vitamins.
Don’t forget to continue taking your prenatal vitamins.  I’ve also heard that taking fenugreek helps with supply for nursing mamas (I got mine on Amazon).  Try to keep all your medications in one place and take them at the same time of the day so it becomes a habit and you don’t forget!  For me, it’s right by the coffee maker when I have my morning cup.

5. Accept Help
I was so grateful that T had two weeks of paternity leave, but after that, it was hard those first few weeks on my own during the day!  My parents helped quite a bit, and friends would visit and bring freezer meals, dinner for that night, lactation cookies, you name it.  Accept as much help as you need and don’t be afraid to ask for help either!

6. It’s ok to say “no”
At the same time, it’s ok so say no to some things. It’s important to have alone time with your spouse and new baby and get adjusted to your “new normal.” Even in the hospital, it felt like such a whirlwind that we only had our parents visit since we were incredibly tired and never really sleeping with doctors, nurses continually popping in. It is overwhelming to bring home a new baby and you are very sleep deprived getting used to a new routine. Sometimes, visitors who mean well, don’t realize how exhausting it can be. You love them, but it is okay to say “no” to visitors when you need space or are exhausted.

7. Take it all in.
Relax. Breathe deep. Snuggle with your baby. Savor all the precious moments and memories. It goes by so extremely fast. Don’t worry about the dirty dishes, piles of laundry, or long to-do list. I know I had a hard time with this initially and am still trying to work at it. But just remember to slow down and simply enjoy your new little bundle of joy!

Phew! If you made it through all those tips and pieces of advice- congrats!  Here’s a little something to help you live a healthy lifestyle: enter to win a $50 WalMart gift card and $150 fitness tracker via the widget below.

#SipAndBeFit Sweepstakes!

Mommas- what tips am I missing?  Do you like fruity drinks to stay hydrated? What’s your favorite snack? I want to hear from you!