After having a baby and supporting your family with a new addition, we sometimes put everyone else first before ourselves. It is, however, important for mum and more importantly baby to have a little bit of ‘me’ time to recharge our batteries.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and is a celebration of love and affection, we want to share with you the little things you can do to give yourself a break and a bit of self-love.

Lean on relatives and friends  

Relatives are here to help. They can all drive us a little bit crazy from time to time, they do also mean well. So, when a friend or relative comes round and says, “call me if you need a break’, do it! Asking for a little bit of help is not a sign of failure or that you can’t manage, it helps you have a little bit of ‘me’ time. Even if its just your friend popping in for a cup of tea or you going to have a lie down for half an hour, it can make all the difference to your day.

Take a relaxing bath

After what may seem like a long day with baby, a nice relaxing bath in the evening could help you unwind and rejuvenate you for the night feeds ahead. Add some lavender bath oils to help you unwind and sleep better.

Read a book

There’s nothing better than losing yourself in a book even if it’s just for 15 minutes or so. If you struggle to get back to sleep after a night feed, picking up a good book will help switch your brain off.

Take a nap

Sleep deprivation can sometimes feel like a form of torture. We know it’s a cliché but sleeping when baby naps can help with your own sanity and remember that pile of ironing or washing will still be there tomorrow.

Gentle exercising

Getting out of the house for a short walk can make all the difference. If you’ve had one of those days where your baby won’t settle, and you’ve tried everything, going for a walk when your partner gets home from work can make all the difference. Exercise will release those endorphins and will trigger a positive feeling in your mind and body.

Listen to yourself

And most importantly, listen to your mind and body. When things are getting too much, take a step back and breath, nothing lasts forever, and you’ll get through it. It’s perfectly normal to get the baby blues but if you are feeling things are becoming too much then speak to your loved ones or a health professional.

We hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day filled with self-love and baby love.