They say motherhood comes with its highs and lows. The joy of holding your baby for the first time, witnessing their first everything, and the deeper purpose that often comes with being a parent creates a sort of unconditional love like no other. But being a mom also comes with realistic challenges such as drastic hormonal changes, role changes, loss of identity, and sleep deprivation, which can take a toll on your psychological well being. And not to mention the overall guilt that comes with experiencing all theses feelings and shifts.
First of all, if you’re struggling to balance your mental well-being and motherhood, it’s a common occurrence in Kenya and globally. You shouldn’t feel bad about it and is not a failure on your part as a mom. We’ve put together 4 mental health tips for moms to help you navigate motherhood with more ease.
And if you’re looking for postnatal care that centres maternal mental health well being as well, Malaica’s care includes direct access to a virtual psychologist from when you become pregnant until post natal.
Tips to Help Moms Take Care of Their Mental Health
Mental health challenges manifest in different ways for different moms and similarly, the causes are unique and varying. One mom may struggle with the guilt of having to go back to work early while another may be feeling like a bad mom for not bonding fast enough or being overwhelmed with postpartum care. All these situations, and more, are valid and can affect a mother’s mental well being.
Here are a few ways to navigate motherhood and mental health:
1. Take Care Of You
Motherhood and self-care don’t always go hand in hand. It can be hard to find time for just you, especially when you have a baby. However, self-care is extremely important to feel a sense of identity and maintain your well-being. Making time for yourself through small moments of self-care might feel selfish but it can prevent burnout, exhaustion, and stress.
Don’t be afraid to unplug when you have a moment to yourself. Whether that is taking a bubble bath or going for a coffee, those me-time activities are needed to help maintain a positive outlook. When you feel centered and happy with yourself, then you can be a better parent and partner to those around you.
2. Find Time For Sleep
As a new mother, it can be hard to navigate a newborn’s sleeping schedule while managing your own, which is why a lot of new moms struggle with insomnia. However, your sleep has a major effect on your mental health, so it’s essential to find time to get some quality rest.
Asking your partner to share nighttime duties is another way to get ore sleep. Although you want to be a supermum, sharing duties helps you develop a sense of teamwork. Sharing nighttime duties like feedings will also help you catch a little break that is sometimes needed in motherhood. When you are well-rested, you are less likely to struggle with anxiety and depression and it can help you feel ready to take on any challenge.
If you’re feeling exhausted even after sleeping enough, changes in sleep patterns, and persistent sadness, download our checklist for post natal depression and seek professional support when necessary.
3. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Whether you’re a first-time mum or not, it’s normal to experience self-doubt. However, be mindful of how you speak to yourself. It’s natural to enter motherhood with uncertainties and questions but you should never let that self-doubt make you feel like a bad parent or undermine your own confidence.
Without knowing it, you may be limiting your own potential by focusing on the bad. Practice positive self-talk throughout your day to shake any negative self-talk. Start by checking in with yourself and using the morning for a motivational moment. Saying things like “I am doing well” or “I’m happy because” can shift your mindset and remind you of the good in your maternal journey.
4. Know When To Ask For Help
We’ve all heard the saying, “it takes a village,” so lean on your motherhood support village! We all want to be the perfect mum but the reality is that being the perfect parent doesn’t exist and we can’t do it alone. If you’re struggling to find your happiness or place in motherhood, then talk to your loved ones. It can be scary to open up, but you will realize that you are not alone and have support and love around you.
However, if you need some extra support outside of your friends and family then consider getting mental health care from an expert. Professional maternal therapy is a great place to start as it helps you understand and navigate motherhood changes while giving you a safe and confidential space to unpack your worries. Asking for help will only make you a stronger parent, so don’t wait to get help.
Malaica’s Maternal Mental Health Care for Moms
At Malaica, we understand how mental well being contributes to a mother’s ability to take care of their newborn properly. Our post natal clinic incorporates maternal mental health care in various ways, including:
- Direct access to a virtual psychologist: Our therapist specializing in maternal mental health provide psychological support tailored for moms in Kenya.
- Malaica online support community for new moms: Peer-to-peer support from fellow new moms who are navigating almost similar maternal challenges as you are whether you’re a working mom, a new mom, a young mom, or a first-time mother.
- 24/7 access to a nurse midwife: Although a midwife is mostly involved during delivery, having 24/7access even after birth helps to put certain worries and body changes to bed, giving you peace of mind.
- Expert-led and personalized postnatal care: Comprehensive post natal care goes beyond routine clinical checks to provide holistic support that encompasses mental well being check-ins as well, especially for newborn moms.
Being a mum is a wonderful and special journey, and although it’s normal to get wrapped up in the joys of motherhood, it’s crucial for your health and your baby’s health that you put your mental health first. Speak with us by booking an appointment or calling/sending a message at +254 746 610643 to learn how we can help you take care of your motherhood mental health.