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Hey mommas and welcome to the postpartum weight loss journey! As new moms, we follow a path that is filled with joy, challenges, and endless love. We feel burnt out, disconnected and uncomfortable and we want to feel balanced, connected and confident. Amidst the responsibilities of motherhood, it is important to recognize that self-care is not just an indulgence, or something that people do when they are selfish. It is a vital component of your well-being. Come explore how mindful living and self-care for new moms can become your guiding lights towards a healthier, happier you.
The Significance of Self-Care for Postpartum Weight Loss
Self-care is often thought of as bubble baths, vacations and spa days, but it's so much more than that. Particularly for new moms on a postpartum weight loss journey, self-care is the foundation of success. It's about nourishing your body, mind, and spirit on a daily bases to create a holistic sense of well-being. Balancing motherhood, weight loss goals, and self-care might seem like a daunting task, but remember, it does not have to be hard, boring or time consuming to start. It is an investment in your long-term health and is worth building little habits of self-care into your daily routine! *Join us in our FREE 30 Day Challenge to help build and break habits!
Mindful Living: A Framework for Self-Care
Mindful living is the art of being present in the moment. It's about cultivating self-awareness and embracing each experience without judgment. Being without judgement means that you are looking at the facts of the situation rather than putting your opinion on it. Being able to look at your body and say, "I have stretch marks" and that is it. No negative thoughts or positive thoughts about them, just that they are there. In the context of self-care for postpartum weight loss, mindful living means tuning into your body's cues, recognizing your emotional needs without this judgement. Being able to say I am craving something sweet without the second thought of "Oh, but I am not allowed to have sweets, I shouldn't be eating that right now, It is a food I need to avoid." When we put judgment on things like food, we tend to over eat them because we are listening to the judgments rather than listening to our bodies. For example: If you are craving something sweet and you judge yourself for that, you are now feeling guilty or deflated for even having the craving, you tell yourself, "I really want this, I'll start over again tomorrow." And then you eat the whole bag of candy. If we listen to our body when it has a sweets craving without judgement, we are more likely to just have 1 or 2 pieces of candy and move on with our day. No starting over, no guilt, no shame, no getting stuck in our negative thoughts. When we make intentional choices that honor your overall well-being we start to see little changes that add up to be big successes! By practicing mindful living, you're taking a proactive step towards self-love and self-acceptance.
Prioritizing Self-Care for New Moms
As new moms, it's natural to prioritize the needs of our little ones. However, the old saying is still true: you can't pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish; it is self-preservation, it is the thing that allows you to be the person you want to be with the people around you. Consider it a necessity, not a luxury. Build self-care into your daily routine. Having tea while you get ready in the morning. (yes, it will probably get cold and you will have to warm it up 3 times before its gone) Build in a waking up ritual with your spouse or with yourself so you can start the day off on a good note. (this does not have to be long, even just a few seconds, a deep breath or a good morning kiss.) Allocate time for activities that rejuvenate your spirit, whether it's reading a book after the kids go down for the night rather than scrolling on your phone, taking a leisurely walk, or engaging in a hobby.
Remember, when you prioritize self-care, you're showing your children that you value yourself and your health. You are teaching them to do the same for themselves and showing them ways to be healthy.
Nurturing Well-Being in the Postpartum Weight Loss Journey
Weight loss, especially postpartum weight loss, is more than just numbers on a scale. It's about feeling vibrant, balanced, confident, connected and mentally strong. Incorporating self-care practices into your postpartum weight loss journey enhances not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional resilience. Stress management becomes an essential tool for weight loss. Think about it, the more you are stressed, the less your body will be willing the shed the weight. When you are stressed, your body tries to conserve all the energy and food storage it has to prepare for whatever you are stressed about. Use methods like deep breathing, meditation, or even reaching out for support from friends and family. Self-compassion plays a significant role too; be kind to yourself, and remember that progress is a journey, not a destination.
Body Image and Self-Care
The journey to postpartum weight loss can sometimes evoke body image concerns. It is normal to have opinions about your changing body. Most people do! We can not like the changes, and still recognize that there is no quick fix and that the first step in changing anything is accepting it. If we can move past the self-hate, we can start working towards problem solving. We often get stuck in a cycle.
Tell me if this sounds familiar
I look in the mirror and see something I do not like and that I am not proud of. I start down a negative thought spiral and end up at "you are fat and ugly, why try changing it." I then go into the kitchen and grab the bag of chips that I have been telling myself not to eat for 3 days and just eat the whole bag in one sitting.
Yup, most of us have been there. It is not fun and we then are forced to pick ourselves up one more time and "get it together." Being able to accept our body means that we look at ourself in the mirror, see something we do not like and then start thinking about things that you are currently doing to help change that, and the barriers you face. Self-care for new moms involves embracing your body as it is; strong, resilient, and beautiful in its unique way. By cultivating a non-judgemental view of your body image, you create a nurturing environment that promotes well-being.
Practical Self-Care Tips for New Moms
1. Self-care does not have to be elaborate or time consuming
2. Find something small that you can be a consistent action.
3. Start with a simple morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day. (a deep breath, saying good morning to your children, singing a good morning song) 4. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's sipping a cup of tea, practicing gentle stretches, or journaling your thoughts. 5. REST. Do not underestimate the power of rest. Prioritize sleep as a non-negotiable self-care practice (TURN OFF YOUR PHONE), spend an extra minute in the car before you walk into your house or store, close your eyes and lay on the couch for 5 minutes before rushing off to the next task after putting your baby down for a nap.
Creating a Supportive Self-Care Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to self-care and postpartum weight loss. Establishing a routine helps integrate self-care seamlessly into your daily life. Find a rhythm that works for you, whether it's dedicating a few minutes to meditation before bed or going for a walk during lunch breaks. Seek support from other new moms who share your journey. By creating a supportive community, you can exchange self-care ideas, celebrate achievements, and find comfort in knowing you're not alone. *Come join our walking support group here in Monterey Ca!
Hi, I’m Kristina Anzell, I am a Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing specialized and compassionate mental health support for moms postpartum. My mission is to empower you to thrive in your role as a mother while nurturing your own well-being. If you enjoyed this blog post, check out my blog here! If you want more information or are seeking treatment, feel free to reach out!