Jane Kilkenny
By: Jane Kilkenny
Having a baby is one of the most exciting and exhausting times in your life. The birth of your baby can trigger the full range of human emotions, from absolute exhilaration and excitement to the deepest levels of fear, and that’s just at the beginning.
We need to take extra care of all those news mums that have given birth during Covid, as they have been forced to experience an added layer of stress and uncertainty at this delicate time in their lives. Support from family and friends is crucial, and it’s essential to prioritise some time for exercise.
There are so many pressures on new mums. This tiny little human is totally dependent on you and whilst there are moments of pure joy, there can be just as many moments that are frustrating and scary. The best way to cope with the range of emotions and demands on your body is to ensure that you are looking after yourself.
Even though you may feel that there is not a minute to spare in your day it is important for your health to get some daily activity, even a 30 minute walk outside will have an amazing effect on your physical and mental health.
Regular exercise will have huge impacts on your health and wellbeing as a new mum. It will give you a sense of control over your body, particularly at the time when you may be feeling that you have surrendered yourself to the demands of your child. By looking after yourself you will be a better mum, able to cope with the challenges of motherhood.
Adding some strength training is also a powerful tool to improve your health. You can achieve great results from a bodyweight strength circuit at home, you don’t need extra equipment or the gym, just the determination to get it done.
Motherhood is one of the most amazing experiences. But it is also one of the most difficult.
It is important to focus on your own health as we cannot be at our best when we are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Emotions, hormones and stress can challenge us and drive us to despair. But it is important to acknowledge that we are feeling overwhelmed and work towards a solution.
Exercise and healthy nutrition are two of the best tools to support new mums. The other essential is communication. Don’t bottle up your feelings if you struggling, ask for help. As mums we often feel the pressure to just get on with it. However we all have our own experiences and challenges with motherhood and we need support.
Exercising with a friend is a great option. It provides time to get fit and also chat about life, sharing experiences can that will make you laugh or cry. By the end you will feel better and be more relaxed, ready to get back to the rollercoaster that is motherhood.
