Pregnancy

Mama Sanity: 5 Ways to Survive Post Baby Delivery

C-Section

 Is this your first, second or third baby? Or for you mama goddesses forth, fifth? Did anyone tell you about those raging hormones post delivery? They didn’t? I’m not surprised. But I bet they told you to sleep when the baby sleeps and other almost impossible things, right? 
 
Well let me tell you about 5 things that worked for me and will hopefully work for you. 
 
1. Go For A Walk
 
Get up and go ASAP. Do it every single day even if you can only squeeze in 5 minutes. Go alone! But if you can’t wear or push the kid. I am so serious mamas. You must get out and breath in some fresh air. Don’t be afraid of the cold or the heat, just go. I did this 2x per day and guess what? It saved me from myself, my newborn and from having my husband back up and leave. Seriously, I kicked him out when Little Z was born and I can confirm the ugly hormones made me do it! So go for a walk, now! 
 
2. Let’s Make A Deal (with visitors) 
 
Gosh visitors are a blessings and a curse. But take advantage and make them worth your while. Confirm date and time and length of stay! Yes confirm and then cut the real deal. For example: 
When you get here, I’m going to nap and then shower. That will leave you with 2 hrs and 15 minutes to have the baby all to yourself, deal? 
 
Yup, that whole sleep when the baby sleeps thing is BS! Well it was for me and just about every other new mama I know but sleep whenever the heck you can made more sense and visiting hours are perfect for that. 
You can share birth stories, etc after your deal time has expired. Visitor not game for the plan? Then remember this: “No” is a complete sentence. 
 
This time around my deals will include some outing time with the toddler because yeah how am I suppose to master this mom of two thing with a raging “two-nager?” 
 
Bonus: brownie points for the visitors that agree to bring a meal (or two) for the family. Anything that will still taste 5-Star out the freezer is even better! IJS. 
 
3. Laugh 
 
Seriously take the time to laugh. Two years into this motherhood thing and Family Feud still gets me laughing just when I need it. Honestly, laugh! 
I’m not big on TV watching for myself and definitely not for the kid but my toddler knows Steve Harvey by name. “STEVE” she yells while jamming to the intro song! That’s my girl. Judge me if you wish. I care not!!! 
Get your laugh on mamas. A TV show, your most insane girlfriend, with your boo, a hilarious book. It doesn’t matter, laughter is a new mama’s medicine. 
 
4. Focus 
 
Turn off all distraction. When I had Zoë, I didn’t consider answering my phone (with the exception of a select few people) nor did I run to social media (besides the time I had to make a statement on FB about people not respecting my privacy.) I focused. I focused on my new baby, I focused on my health (and sanity) and I focused on my hubs. I was very intentional about embracing the moments and figuring this thing called motherhood out. Struggling with this whole new world, emotions, hormonal roller coaster, c-section recovery (the drugs were necessary) and my loves was just about all I could handle so this should probably be number one.
 
5. Music, Meditation and Peace 
 
What helps you stay calm or brings you to a peaceful place? Whatever it is do it. Walks definitely did it for me but so did music, meditation and intentional reading. Start the day with a word from the good book, a daily prayer or whatever positive source you prefer. Meditate for a few minutes. Seriously even two minutes does wonders. Turn on some music doesn’t matter the type so long as it soothes you. My go to is Bob Marley. 
 
I hope this helps. Baby #2 will be here in just about 10 weeks! I am scared but you better believe I will be rocking this mama sanity list hard. Visitors, you’ve been warned. 
 
How did you you get through your first few weeks of motherhood? Share your tips in the comments. 

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6 Comments

  • Reply
    Cassie
    March 2, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Ok I’m no mommy, BUT, looking forward to it (one day) soon…So I am filing this under my research file of things to do! Heck some of these tips need to be applied pre-motherhood too. Thanks for sharing! -Cassie

    • Reply
      M J
      March 6, 2015 at 5:26 AM

      Yes Cassie. Get your file going. Post motherhood, I didn’t think too much about these things but now that I am in the trenches I wish I did. This is the stuff folks don’t readily share. I’m a believer in keeping it real.

  • Reply
    Christine @MomsNCharge
    March 3, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    MJ I just love your posts and your tips 🙂 Great list! And you already know, one of my favorite phrases is “no is a complete sentence”. Yup, just wish I’d had said it sooner. I definitely couldn’t sleep when my last born slept because she only took 30 min naps…her entire baby life. She’s almost 4 and hasn’t taken naps during the day since she was probably 1 or 2. I could never figure that out LOL

    But to answer your question, I got through a lot of the ways that you mentioned above, especially setting up a “baby watching” schedule with hubs regularly.

    • Reply
      M J
      March 6, 2015 at 5:25 AM

      Absolutely on the “No” is a complete sentence. People would think I was crazy but I used that sentence all the time. 30 minute naps?!?! We went through that stage and the no nap stage but now Z is a nap expert and I really appreciate it. LOL

  • Reply
    Kara (Kay's Ways)
    March 3, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    Great tips! After 3 kids, that sleep when they sleep thing never worked for me. For my youngest I definitely would make an excuse to run to the store or something just to sneak a few minutes of alone time. It’s definitely necessary

    • Reply
      M J
      March 6, 2015 at 5:23 AM

      Right Kara. It’s almost impossible. Sneaking away is so necessary. Shoot I hide under the sheets from my two year old. It works sometimes. LOL

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