Make Time For You

Especially toward the end of pregnancy, your time becomes less and less your own. You will find yourself going to regular doctor visits to check the progress of your child, and you’ll have friends and loved ones stopping in to visit, plan baby showers, and help you prepare the house for your new arrival. It’s important during this time to stop and make some “you” time -- get your nails done or get a prenatal massage. Even taking a relaxing bath and reading a book can go a long way toward helping you with the stresses and worries that pregnancy and new motherhood can bring.

Finding a few minutes of quiet is even more important once your baby arrives. It can be overwhelming trying to “learn the ropes” of new motherhood, especially with what can feel like a never-ending stream of visitors coming to see your new family member. Instead of feeling like you have to be the gracious hostess, leave the entertaining to your partner and use the opportunity to take a nap, go for a walk, run an errand, or simply sit in a quiet room and decompress.

Accept Help

During your pregnancy, you may feel fatigue, nausea, back and body aches and pains and other symptoms that slow you down. You’ll also find that you’re limited in terms of what you can do, especially later in your pregnancy. And once that little bundle arrives, you’ll be amazed at how hard it can be to find time to cook a decent meal, take a shower, or complete a load of laundry. Although many new moms feel like they need to show the world that they can do it all or they like to have things done a certain way, there is nothing wrong with accepting help. It could take the form of meals, cleaning or laundry help, babysitting, or help with errands. Allowing others to take things off your shoulders will leave you feeling less stressed, less exhausted and better able to focus on your beautiful new baby.

Know That Depression Isn’t Your Fault

Depression has carried with it a negative stigma that makes many sufferers try to hide their symptoms and illness from even their close friends and family. Pregnant women and new mothers need to understand that they are not to blame for a perinatal mood disorder. There are many factors that contribute to pregnancy-related mood shifts and depression, and none of them are the fault of the mother or indicate any sign of weakness.