10 New Mom Health Hacks

As a new mom you’re often so preoccupied with baby that your own health and self-care tend to go out the window. But how can you take care of baby if you’re not looking out for yourself? Your own postpartum health is just as important as your baby’s health. Our motto is simple, happy healthy mama, healthy happy baby!  You might be thinking, “well, sure but who has time for that?” and that’s why we’re bringing you 10 new mom healthy hacks for quick and simple ways to get your health back on track after baby.
 
1. Try out babywearing
 
Babywearing offers numerous benefits for baby including providing comfort, promoting healthy mental and physical development, and more. It’s a great way to get some strength training in and frees up hands so you can continue your regular activities throughout the day while still feeling close to your baby.

Check out my top 3 carriers to use for newborns on the Babies at the Barre™ Youtube Channel.
 
2. Do a mom and baby workout – aka mommy & me class
 
Carrying baby around with you everywhere is a workout in and of itself, but you can also try a babywearing exercise class like Babies at the Barre™ to rebuild strength in your abdominals and pelvic floor along with toning other parts of your body. The best thing is you can do it all from the privacy of your own home with our mommy & me online babywearing fitness classes.
 
3. Find a mom group
 
Motherhood is certainly incredibly rewarding, but it’s also challenging! There’s no reason why you have to go through it alone – find a mom support system where you can learn from and encourage each other and get some time out of the house. Babies at the Barre™ offers an amazing community of moms to connect with.
 
4. Invest in a belly wrap
 
Wearing a belly wrap like the Belly Bandit is an easy way to accelerate the healing process and help tighten your stomach and waist while supporting your back, leg, and core muscles. It even helps with the condition known as diastasis recti and can minimize stretch marks. It’s safe to use 24 – 48 hours after giving birth and even after a c-section! 
 

5. Use a back pillow
 
You’re likely to feel pretty sore after giving birth to a tiny human, so anything to alleviate back pain will be a huge blessing. The Back-Buddy support pillow is great for nursing or any other time you are sitting to promote proper alignment of the spine and offer comfort and support. Being in the right position will also helps with breastfeeding success.
 

6. Ask for help
 
There will be plenty of family members and friends who would love to help you in any way – you just can’t be afraid to ask! An app like Mealbaby allows you to create a meal calendar with all of your needs, favorite recipes, and contact info which you can share with friends and family who wish to help by making meals, delivering food, or even offering meal gift cards.
 
Another idea is to try Hello Fresh or Green Chef; fresh, pre-measured food delivered to your house so you don’t have to take the time to plan meals, shop and prep.  Although it’s quick and easy, avoid takeout so you’re taking in the best nutrients as you recover from childbirth and especially if you are breastfeeding.
 
7. Get a soothing nursing bra and hands-free breast pumping bra kit
 
If you plan to breastfeed your baby, there are two amazing solutions to help you feel comfortable and also produce more milk! First, look for a nursing bra with extra features like Nizo Wear bras. Each of their bras feature a unique patented pocket that can hold a warm or cool pack for soothing comfort. They also offer removable molded pads to protect against leakage.

Next, Simplicity™ Hands-Free Pumping Bra Kit that fits over your nursing bra to hold breast pumps in place!  I remember pumping many times a day and doing one breast at a time because I had to hold the pump and tend to my baby with my other hand. Once I got this hands-free pump kit, I could multi-task while pumping and having the ability to use my hands to massage the milk out while pumping definitely increased my milk supply!  Stanford University mothers report that almost 50% more milk can be removed with this technique.
 
8. Look good = feel good
 
Go ahead and treat yourself to some new, comfy threads – you deserve it!  Comfy home clothes are pretty much the go-to outfit of all new moms, so it feels good to put something new on. The extra boost of confidence from wearing something that makes you feel and look good is exactly what new moms need. Plus, in case you have unexpected visitors drop in, you won’t have to scramble to get something decent looking on. Belabumbum offers amazingly comfortable maternity and nursing clothes in super cute styles!
 
9. Keep a water bottle
 
Get a big water bottle or jug of water and keep it with you at all times during the day so you can stay hydrated. Refill it whenever you need to – the key is to keep it in your sight so you have a constant reminder to drink up. It’s so important to stay hydrated when you are nursing!  100 ounces of water a day, mamas!
 
10. Take things slow
 
It’s not much of a hack, but moms always need the reminder to take things slow after childbirth and don’t worry about losing the baby weight or getting back into shape right away. Focus on getting enough rest and letting your body heal by limiting trips up and down stairs and not doing any vigorous exercise. Sleep whenever your baby sleeps and have your partner or other helpers do laundry, buy groceries, etc.
 
Written by Tori Levine, mom and founder of Babies at the Barre™, a unique mommy & me exercise class and mom group / community all in one!  Meet other moms via in-person or online classes all while wearing your baby. Learn more about our low impact, effective mommy & me exercise classes here.

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