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Thinking About You


If you look after yourself, looking after your baby will be easier, too.

Eat well
It’s easy, when you’re so concerned about looking after your baby, or so tired from broken nights, to forget about looking after yourself, too. If you don’t always have time to make a meal, try to eat nutritious snacks such as:
  • microwave baked potatoes with cheese
  • tuna sandwiches and salad
  • soup
  • baked beans on toast
  • crackers and cheese with tomatoes
  • boiled or scrambled egg and toast
  • bowl of cereal with a piece of fruit to follow.
You may want to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape, but don’t rush it. Drastic diets will make you feel tired at a time you need all your energy. It’s important to eat well, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Eating wisely needn’t mean a lot of effort and expense, either. Have vegetable soup and a wholemeal roll rather than a hamburger; try an apple or yoghurt rather than a bar of chocolate. You’ll be setting a good example for your children, too!

Stay active
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when you’re exhausted by the end of every day. But staying active helps your tummy muscles become strong again, and helps you lose the weight gained during pregnancy. Try:
  • a swim some pools have crèche facilities that allow new parents to swim in peace for a while; call your local pool for details
  • a brisk walk round the block, in the local park or in the countryside, whichever suits you and your local area
  • a tone-up try one of the videotapes specifically aimed at postnatal women if you’d rather exercise in private or try a low-impact yoga class with plenty of toning and stretching; let the teacher know you have just had a baby.
A bit of exercise can give you energy back, rather than taking it away.

Meeting other parents You may have already met a group of parents through antenatal or parentcraft classes.

If you’re looking for more mums to get to know, head for any of the following:
  • baby clinic
  • children’s library
  • shops, especially baby shops
  • baby exercise or sing-along sessions
  • mother-and-baby groups.
You can find out what’s going on in your area from your library, health visitor, or the local paper.

If you are finding it hard to get to know people and are feeling a bit lonely, speak to your health visitor. She may be able to put you in touch with other new mums who live near you.

You can also find a multitude of web sites for parents on the internet, and many have chat rooms where you can get tips and talk to other new parents at any time of the day or night.

When you need help
For some mums, the ‘downs’ start to outweigh the ‘ups’ and motherhood begins to feel like a huge burden that is difficult to carry. If you feel that it is all getting too much, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell your partner, your mother or a trusted friend who will listen to you. Above all, don’t suffer alone. People want to help you.

If your feelings don’t lift, make an appointment with your GP, or telephone your health visitor. It’s not unusual to feel this way, and no-one will be shocked or horrified by what you say. Their main concern is to help you to feel better.

Out and about
There are plenty of reasons for heading out of the house:
  • it gives you and your baby a change of surroundings
  • you’ll both get some fresh air
  • there will be lots of things to look at
  • a change of scene will help you cope with tiredness
  • it’s an opportunity to chat and meet others
  • it helps to get things in perspective when it feels like the walls are starting to close in
  • babies like the movement of being pushed in a buggy
  • going out can help babies to sleep or stop them crying.
Another reason for going out is that it gives you the chance to meet other new parents to make friends with.

Bridget’s sanity saver
If the phone rings and you’re in the middle of a nappy change or a feed, don’t answer it! Either let the answering machine pick up a message or, if you haven’t got one, remind yourself that if it’s something really important, the person will ring back.’

Car seat law
It is against the law for a child under 12 years old or less than 135cm (4' 5") height to travel in a vehicle without a suitable child restraint – there is a £30 fixed penalty notice. If the case goes to court you could be fined up to £500.

For the next You and your growing baby guide Chapter, Day to day, Click here arrow

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