Hey there, beautiful new mom! First of all, let me just say – you’re doing an incredible job. Becoming a mom is a massive life change, and it’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed.

Trust me, we’ve all been there. The sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, the emotional ups and downs, the constant worrying, feeling like you’ve lost your identity… And you know what? It’s all perfectly normal, and it’s okay to feel like you’re still figuring things out! 

So, grab a cup of coffee(we know you need it), sit back, and let’schat about the challenges you might be facing and discover some ways you can make the new-mum life easier on yourself.

The reality of motherhood

Postpartum life is both a beautiful and a complex journey. The joy you feel when looking at your sleeping newborn baby is also accompanied by hormonal changes and extreme mood swings, sleep deprivation that turns nights into days and days into a blur, a change in your daily routines that can make you feel like your whole life now only revolves around taking care of your baby, and so much more.  

Let’s start by breaking down some of the biggest hurdles new moms might face.

Hormonal changes

One of the first things you might notice post-birth is extreme mood swings. One minute you’re elated, holding your beautiful newborn baby, and the next, you’re sobbing uncontrollably. It’s completely normal. Your body is readjusting its hormone levels, and that can wreak havoc on your emotions, your sense of identity, and your relationships, including with your partner.

If you find that you’re struggling more than you think you should, it might be a sign of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Don’t brush it off; talk to your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Exhaustion

Sleep? What’s that? With a newborn baby, your sleep schedule is now more like a series of short naps. The baby needs to eat every couple of hours, and that means you’re up too. It’s exhausting, but remember that it’s also temporary. 

Try to sleep when the baby sleeps, even if it’s just a quick nap. You might feel like that’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on chores – that long-neglected pile of laundry, those bottles that need cleaning, and we could go on. But it’s really important to take the time to relax. 

If you find it hard to fall sleep at that given moment, take the time to do something else that you enjoy, like watching an episode of your favourite sitcome. It can still help feel more rested and fulfilled. Don’t forget that your body is recovering from a significant event, and rest is crucial for your postpartum recovery.

Breastfeeding challenges

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal choice and experience. For some, it’s a smooth journey, while for others, it can be fraught with challenges like sore nipples, low milk supply or latching struggles.

Society often idealises breastfeeding and makes it seem like it should be an effortless aspect of motherhood, but the reality is that many moms struggle with it. The fact that it’s often not talked about can be isolating for new mom and ewoke feelings of inadequacy. But let’s be honest: breastfeeding can be incredibly difficult. 

You don’t need to exhaust yourself if it’s not working for your or give up on breastfeeding if you don’t want to because you might struggle at first. What’s most important is find what works best for you and the baby.

Consider speaking with a lactation consultant. They can offer invaluable tips and techniques to make the experience more comfortable.

And remember, fed is best. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both – what matters most is that your little one’s belly is full.

Adjusting to your new full-time job

If you were working before the baby came along, the shift to being home 24/7 and focusing solely on baby care can be jarring. You might even find yourself missing work or feeling like you’ve lost a part of your identity as you focus on being a full-time mom. It doesn’t mean you love your baby any less. It’s just another adjustment in a long line of changes you’re going through. 

If you’ve already returned to work or are at the point of planning to and struggling to be apart from your baby or with juggling all your responsibilities, think about what your options are. Can you work a more flexible schedule or work from home some days? Research your parental rights and discuss things openly with your employer, so you can find a solution that works for everyone.

Body image issues

Many women struggle with negative postpartum body image after giving birth – sometimes for years after. It can be hard to accept the postpartum tummy,saggy skin, stretch marks, or newfound skin problems like adult acne, and new mothers sometimes find it hard to recognise themselves in their changed bodies.

All of this is not helped by seeing women around you that are able to ‘bounce back’ quickly after birth. Try not to compare yourself to others – all our bodies are different. You and your body have just done an incredible thing, so go easy on yourself and give yourself the time and patience to heal and rest before you start thinking about a strict diet or exercise regime.

8 tips to feel like a SUPER MOM 

To help you navigate these postpartum challenges, we’ve collected a treasure trove of realistic advice that other new moms swear by!

1. Ask for help

Even superheroes have sidekicks. It’s time to call in your support team. Your partner can and should take over some of the baby care duties like diaper changes, night-time bottle feedings, or take responsibility for other household chores if you’re breastfeeding.

You might think you have to do it all to be a good mom, but the opposite is true. A stressed mom isn’t helping anyone, least of all herself. Whether it’s your mom coming over and helping with laundry or your friends chipping in with meal prep, remember that when your loved ones ask you if there’s any way they can do for you – they mean it.  

So go ahead and distribute the chores, let someone else run errands, and allow yourself to focus on your baby and yourself when you need it most. 

2. Embrace the chaos

Your house doesn’t look like a Pinterest board, and that’s okay. Life is messy, especially when caring for a newborn baby. Those picture-perfect moms you see on Instagram? They’re showing you a snapshot, not the 24/7 reality. So, embrace the chaos. Learn to live with the toys on the floor and the dishes in the sink, at least for now. Your baby doesn’t care about the mess; they care about you.

3. Trust yourself

Motherhood is all about adapting and learning as you go. So, even if you swore you do things a certain way before giving birth, you might find yourself deviating from pre-birth plans or beliefs. Your stance on pacifiers or bottle feeding might’ve changed– and that’s completely understandable! Life with a newborn baby is unpredictable, and sometimes you need to think of solutions on the fly and adjust your priorities. 

Even if you’ve read all the books, listened to all the podcasts, remember that when it comes down to it, you’re the expert on your baby. Trust your instincts. You know what’s best for your baby and for you. Trusting yourself also means giving yourself grace. You’re going to make mistakes, but your job as a mom isn’t to be perfect – it's to do your best. Making mistakes is part of the process.

4. Regular check-ups

Not just the baby – you might need special medical attention as well. With so many changes happening to your body, make sure to schedule regular medical check-ups, especially within the first 6 weeks postpartum.These exams will typically focus on your postpartum recovery, your blood pressure, your blood sugar, and your weight. It’s also a good opportunity to address other concerns you might be having, like postpartum hair lossor postpartum haemorrhoids.

5. Stock up on postpartum essentials

While you’re stocking up on diapers for the baby, don’t forget about the postpartum essentials that will make your recovery smoother. Consider investing in a peri bottle for easier and more comfortable postpartum hygiene, especially if you’ve had a vaginal birth. Warm soaks (for example, using a sitz bath) can also be a lifesaver for soothing sore areas. If you’re breastfeeding, nipple cream is a must-have to combat dryness and irritation. 

And let’s not forget about comfy pillows! If you used a pregnancy pillow for sleeping during pregnancy, keep using it afterwards if you find it comfortable. A nursing pillow to support your arms during feedings can also make a world of difference. Remember, taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby, so don’t hesitate to equip yourself with these practical tools.

If your facing challenges with breastfeeding, remember that you need to up your intake of liquids quite a bit. One thing that can help is a lactation tea, which will not only help you stay hydrated, but will also boost milk production.

6. Make time for self-care

It’s hard to separate from your newborn baby, but a little “me time” is essential for your postpartum recovery. Whether it’s a quick shower, a short walk, or even a few minutes of reading, take some time to recharge. 

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so don’t neglect it. 

You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough. So, give yourself a break – you’ve definitely earned it.

7. Keep the lines of communication open

Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, especially in the early days when you’re home most of the time with the baby. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your partner, family, and friends. Talk about your experiences, your challenges, and your victories – you might find common ground with them or find comfort in hearing about their own parenting challenges.

Open communication can also strengthen your relationship with your partner. Parenting is a team effort, and clear, honest communication is the foundation of a strong team.

8. Take Care of Your Body

Your body has been through a lot, and it’s time to give it the care it deserves. 

Exercise can also be a healthy part of postpartum recovery. Once you get the all-clear at your check-up, start slow, maybe with a walk around the block, and listen to your body. Now is not the time for intense workouts; focus on gentle movement. 

Don't forget about pelvic floor exercises to help speed up recovery and help prevent bladder problems in the future. Try gradually engaging and elevating the pelvic floor muscles with increasing intensity. Lift and compress them for an extended duration. Take a 4-second break before repeating the process.

If you’re breastfeeding, you’re going to need extra calories and plenty of water. Make sure to eat healthy, balanced meals. And don’t forget about tip no.1 here: get your partner’s help in meal planning and cooking. 

To ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to recover with ease, consider a postnatal multivitamin like SUPER MOM.

The ultimate supplement for any postpartum super mum

TummyTox’s postpartum vitamins SUPER MOM feature 24 essential bioactive vitamins, minerals, and DHA omega-3. It’s designed specifically to help support post-birth recovery and to help you regain your strength and vitality.

On top of that, this top-quality formula supports the development of breastfed infants and provides them with all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. 

A healthy mom means a healthy baby, and SUPER MOM capsules are here to support your unique needs during the postpartum period.

Get an exclusive deal on SUPER MOM capsules if you order today and take one thing off your to-do list!