In my recent appearance on the Prepared for Parenthood podcast with Dr. Stephanie Dueger, we discussed the essential topic of self-care for busy moms. As a registered dietitian, mompreneur, and advocate for women’s health, I shared my personal journey through motherhood, the challenges I faced in balancing my well-being, and how self-care has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.
Understanding the Importance of Self-Care for Moms
One of the main points we explored was how easy it is for moms to lose themselves in the process of raising children. During our conversation, I reflected on my own experience of prioritizing everything else—work, family, my son—while neglecting my own needs. This eventually led to overwhelm, a common issue many moms face.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-care is not selfish: It’s a necessity that ensures you have the energy to care for your loved ones.
- Ask for and accept help: It’s crucial to lean on your support network to avoid burnout.
- Small, intentional actions: Incorporate simple, manageable self-care routines daily to maintain your well-being.
The Vital Role of Sleep and Rest in My Self-Care
One of the biggest lessons I learned on my journey was the importance of prioritizing sleep and rest. As a busy mom, it’s easy to push rest aside, but I realized that proper rest allows me to recharge, make better decisions, and manage my daily responsibilities more effectively. I used to hate when people told me to “rest when the baby rests”, there was always so much to do. But I’ve learned to let some things go, and that it’s ok to use my son’s naps as an opportunity to rest sometimes or to ask my husband to take our son out to the playground after a sleepless night so I could get an hour of sleep.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize sleep and rest to recharge both physically and mentally.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for and accept help from others.
- The dishes can wait, take a nap!
Nutrition as a Cornerstone of My Self-Care
As a dietitian, I know firsthand how critical nutrition is, especially for nursing moms. In my own routine, I focused on hydration, healthy fats, and incorporating foods rich in omega-3s and choline. These nutrients are not only important for my energy but also for my baby’s development. I also introduced a variety of flavors and spices into my child’s diet to nurture healthy eating habits from the start.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay hydrated to maintain energy and overall health.
- Include healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods in your daily meals.
- Introduce diverse flavors and spices to your baby’s diet to promote healthy eating early on.
Relearning Hunger Cues and Practicing Mindful Eating
Part of my self-care journey involved relearning my hunger cues. It wasn’t easy, but I found practical ways to become more mindful of my eating habits. I started drinking water before meals to help me distinguish between hunger and thirst. I also worked on breaking automatic eating patterns and practiced mindfulness with activities like guided meditation to stay more in tune with my body.
Key Takeaways:
- Be mindful of your body’s hunger cues to avoid overeating.
- Drink water before meals to help separate true hunger from thirst.
- Use mindfulness practices to improve your relationship with food
Practical Advice for New Moms
I also discussed how moms can incorporate self-care into their daily routines, even in the busiest times. One of the key strategies I shared was the concept of micro-goals—setting small, achievable goals that build up over time. This can be as simple as drinking a certain amount of water each day or taking a 10-minute walk. Small habits lead to sustainable changes that don’t feel overwhelming.
Check out my free roadmap to wellness for busy moms as well as other valuable resources in the link below.
Key Takeaways:
- Set realistic goals: Start small with one change and build from there.
- Consistency over perfection: It’s more important to be consistent with small actions than to aim for perfection.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the wins, even if they’re small, to keep the momentum going.
Work with Me
If you’re a busy mom struggling to find balance, I’d love to help you optimize your health and wellness in a way that works for your lifestyle. Through my 1:1 consultations, we can develop a personalized plan that fits your needs and helps you achieve your goals—whether it’s simplifying your wellness routine or getting started on the path to better health.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation with me here.
You can also check out other mom-wellness resources in the link below, including my free roadmap to wellness for busy moms.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Prepared for Parenthood podcast! And remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.