7 Self Care Tips for Breastfeeding Moms + Free Journal

Self care is an important part of any wellness routine, and it is especially crucial for breastfeeding mothers. When you are taking care of a tiny human being who relies on you for everything, it can be easy to put your own needs last. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your baby. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 self care tips for breastfeeding moms!

What is self care and why is it important?

Self care is anything you do to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. This expands to more than bathing and reading books. We want to emphasize, that self-care is working to develop into the person you desire to be physically and mentally. It requires practice and consciousness daily, in order to gain the full benefits of self care.

It’s important to practice self care because it can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. When you’re a breastfeeding mother, self-care is especially important because it can help you avoid burnout.

As a breastfeeding mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed because of your highly demanding feeding schedule for your baby. Therefore, finding ways to remain in tuned to your needs is important to avoid negative feelings and thoughts.

When your living an intentional life and self care is a priority, you’re more likely to find yourself pushing through long stressful days, because you consistently take moments for yourself.

Challenges of breastfeeding mothers

One of the challenges of breastfeeding mothers is that they are often sleep-deprived. It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when you have a baby who is waking up every few hours to eat. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough rest during the day. If possible, take a nap when your baby takes a nap. And at night, create a night routine, with moderate bedtimes so that you and baby can go to bed early.

Another challenge that breastfeeding mothers face is the lack of time for themselves. It can be difficult to find time to shower, let alone go to the gym or have a girls’ night out. That’s why it’s important to schedule some time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a walk around the block. Just remember to put your baby’s needs first and don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself.

In order to establish more time for self care, you should consider creating schedules. When creating a schedule you will be more focused and structured, which will help you prioritize the needs of yourself and baby!

Implementing these type of schedules, will help you face the challenging aspects of breastfeeding head on, as it relates to managing time.

7 Self Care Tips for Nursing Moms when Breastfeeding

There are a few things you can do to practice self care when breastfeeding:

1) Drinking Water

One of the most important things is to make sure that you’re drinking enough water. Breastfeeding can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink lots of fluids. herbal tea and fruit juice are also good choices.

2) Eat Healthy Foods

Another self-care tip for breastfeeding mothers is to eat healthy foods. Eating a nutritious diet will give you the energy you need to keep up with your baby’s demands.

Some quick and healthy snack ideas include:

A piece of fruit
a handful of nuts or seeds
hard-boiled egg
yogurt or smoothie

Of course, you should also make sure to eat regular meals and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

Protein-rich foods are also important for breastfeeding mothers. Some good sources of protein include:

chicken or turkey
fish
beans or lentils
tofu
tempeh
edamame
eggs
Greek yogurt
quinoa
peanut butter
cottage cheese

3) Get Some Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for breastfeeding mothers. Not only will it help you to stay in shape, but it will also give you more energy and help improve your mood.

If you can’t make it to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to get some exercise. Take a brisk walk around the block, go for a swim, or do some yoga in your living room. Just make sure to listen to your body and take it easy if you’re feeling tired.

Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress. And when you’re less stressed, you’ll be able to produce more milk.

Some other self-care tips for breastfeeding mothers include:

4) Get Enough Sleep

Get enough sleep: As we mentioned before, it can be difficult for breastfeeding mothers to get a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough rest during the day. If possible, take a nap when your baby takes a nap. And at night, try to get to bed as early as you can.

To improve your sleep habits, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed and create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include reading a book or taking a bath.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, there are some natural remedies that can help, such as:

drinking chamomile tea
taking a magnesium supplement
using lavender oil

If you’re still struggling to sleep, talk to your doctor about other options.

5) Take Time for Yourself

It’s important to schedule some time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a walk around the block. Just remember to put your baby’s needs first and don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself.

If you can, try to find a few hours each week for a longer activity, such as going to the movies or getting a massage. And if you have a partner, make sure to spend some time together without the baby. This will help you to reconnect and feel like more than just a mom.

6) Join a Breastfeeding Support Group

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, it can be helpful to join a support group. You’ll be able to meet other mothers who are going through the same thing and get advice from experienced lactation consultants.

Joining a support group can also help you to feel less isolated and more confident in your parenting abilities.

If you can’t find a support group in your area, there are plenty of online options. Just make sure to do your research to find a reputable group.

7) See Your Doctor

If you’re having any problems with breastfeeding, it’s important to see your doctor. They can help you to identify any underlying issues and provide you with the resources you need to succeed.

Your doctor can also help you to create a plan for dealing with common challenges, such as engorgement or mastitis. And if you’re having trouble producing enough milk, they can prescribe medication or refer you to a lactation consultant.

FAQs about Self Care Tips and Breastfeeding Moms

Here are a few frequently asked questions about self care tips for breastfeeding mothers:

How do I take care of myself while breastfeeding?

There are a few things you can do to take care of yourself while breastfeeding. First, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. You should also try to get enough sleep and take some time for yourself every day. Additionally, it can be helpful to join a breastfeeding support group.

What are some challenges of working breastfeeding?

One of the challenges of working breastfeeding mothers is that they may not have enough time to pump breast milk. This can lead to engorgement, mastitis, or even a decrease in milk supply. Additionally, working mothers may have trouble finding a place to pump at work. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared.

What should you not do while breastfeeding?

There are a few things you should avoid doing while breastfeeding. First, don’t smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Additionally, you should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. And finally, don’t use any medications without talking to your doctor first.

What should moms do while breastfeeding?

There are a few things moms should do while breastfeeding. First, they should eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. Additionally, they should try to get enough sleep and take some time for themselves every day. Finally, it can be helpful to join a breastfeeding support group.

Last Thing You Need To Know About Self Care Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding can be a demanding and exhausting experience. But it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. And with a little self-care, you can make it through those first few months.

Remember to drink lots of fluids, eat healthy foods, and get some exercise. And don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself every day. Whether it’s taking a bath or going for a walk, make sure to do something that makes you happy. Self-care is important for breastfeeding mothers!