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Having a new baby is sure to zap your energy. Waking up throughout the night and constantly putting your needs on the back-burner for your child will take a toll on your body. However, it’s not healthy to neglect your needs. Here are a few ways you can maintain energy and take care of yourself even though you have a new baby.
Drink Coffee
If you need a little extra energy, try drinking coffee or caffeinated tea. It’s amazing what a little bit of caffeine will do for your sleep-deprived self. After downing a cup (or ten), you’ll feel much more energetic, like you can take on the world. If you’re breastfeeding, just make sure you stay within the recommended caffeine amount per day.
Take a Nap
If your new baby is sleeping then you should try taking a nap too. Being a new mom is difficult due to many reasons, but being sleep deprived is one of the main ones. If you can only take a quick nap, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you wake up. 20 minutes is the ideal length of a nap if you want to be able to get up and not feel groggy!
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy is another great way to maintain your energy when you have a new baby. It’s so easy to snack on unhealthy foods instead of cooking when you have a new baby, but don’t give in! Even though unhealthy foods provide instant gratification, it hurts your body in the long run. Healthy foods, on the other hand, are perfect for giving your body the boost of energy it needs to get through the day. Try whole grains, fruit and protein for energy that will last for hours.
Ask for Help
If you’re feeling super overwhelmed and tired, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You shouldn’t be doing this alone and if you have a village around you, take advantage of that. Ask for help for some of those tasks that seem to wear you out. By sharing the job, you’ll have more energy for what really matters… your child!
Go to the Gym
I know, I know. This might seem counter-intuitive, but exercise is an excellent way to boost your metabolism, and over-all energy levels. Plus many gyms offer daycare services so you can drop off your baby in a safe place while you get a little “me-time”.
Maintaining your energy with a new baby is possible. You just have to take care of yourself! How do you maintain your energy?
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
KD
Thursday 16th of March 2017
I was always worried about my caffeine intake (not sure how it would affect baby), but I appreciated the help my mother-in-law gave me and I tried to eat healthfully (in the first two weeks especially). I didn't make it back to the gym, but I walked everywhere with my first, as she was a late spring baby!
Elizabeth Matthiesen
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
I simply love this baby photo, absolutely adorable :-)
kathy downey
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
Thanks i will share these with my daughter who just had a little one !