The Power of Me Time | by Maribeth Neelis

Dr. Laura Atagi, Chin Augmentation, Colorado

Posted on Tue, Jul 2, 2013

Prenatal, you were a pillar of health—shunning certain sushi, gulping fruit smoothies, relaxing into yoga poses. Then your baby arrived, and self-care seemed a little, well, selfish.

Kate Kripke, LCSW, a provider at The Postpartum Wellness Center of Boulder, says many new moms neglect their personal health and wellness to care for others, a tendency that adversely affects the entire family.

“Parents who report the most life satisfaction set their priorities as self, relationship, then kids,” Kripke says. “Relationships benefit from healthy individuals, and children benefit from solid parental relationships.”

“When a new mom’s needs are pushed down the line, she has less to give. She’s less able to be patient, present and resilient.”

Finding ‘me time’ doesn’t require drastic measures, just a change in perspective.

“You don’t have to rearrange your life to practice mindfulness and take breaks. It’s about your intention,” Kripke says. “If you’re taking a shower and thinking about everything else, that’s not a break.”

She advises new moms to designate time throughout the day to slip away for a short stroll or yoga class. Use these interludes to quiet your mind, be present and breathe deeply.

Treating yourself to personal time might feel indulgent, but self-nurture has a trickle-down effect.

“Parents who report the most life satisfaction set their priorities as self, relationship, then kids,” Kripke says. “Relationships benefit from healthy individuals, and children benefit from solid parental relationships.”

Stacey Melito, a certified childbirth educator and founder of Natal to Nest, a pre- and post-natal education and wellness center in Highlands Ranch, says it’s difficult to express how profoundly a baby changes your relationship.

“That’s why it’s so important to make time to sustain that connection with your partner,” Melito says.

She recommends scheduling a formal date each week and finding time to bond during the day over a cup of coffee or household chores. And don’t forget acts of affection.

“A simple kiss and a hug can go a long way,” she says.

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