Why you need ‘me time’
There are lots of reasons why getting some ‘me-time’ is a good idea.
• Just getting an hour’s break from being a mom will really help you
recharge your batteries.
• You’ll get chance to do the things you loved doing before your
baby arrived!
• Using the time to meet other adults and chatting to them can do
the world of good. Sometimes conversation is far better than making
baby sounds all day!
• A little time to relax means you’ll return to your baby refreshed
and enthusiastic.
So utilise your friends and family to help you out. Plan the time
you have and do the things you really need or want to. From enjoying
a long quiet soak in the bathtub to going to the gym or having a
good old pampering, it’s important you take time out.
Meet other moms and adults
It’s always helpful to talk to people who are going through the same
things as you. You can share worries, stories, or decide to talk
about anything but babies! So try and meet some new people. It’s not
as hard as it sounds – there are plenty of places you can socialise
with other new moms nowadays, for instance:
• Try a mom and baby group, such as a baby swimming or music class
or postnatal group. These are a fun way to keep your baby active,
get you out of the house and meet other new parents. Many towns and
villages have local muom and baby groups – often hosted in community
centres or village halls by volunteers. Or you could find out if
your area has a children’s centre. Just go along and get involved!
• Get in touch with the other moms you met in your antenatal class
or maternity ward. It’s more than likely that they’d enjoy the
company too!
• Want to meet other people who know exactly what you’re going
through? DUMEX’s Neighbourhood Friends lets you do exactly that. You
can search for new moms who are at the same stage of becoming a
parent, have children the same age as yours or who live in your
area. And the DUMEX moms and moms-to-be
forums are a great place to chat if you can’t get out and
between them our moums have heaps of experience to share about
motherhood – from useful everyday tips to friendly reassurance.
Get some help
Use your friends and family to help you out. Plan the time you
have and do the things you really need or want to. From enjoying
a long quiet soak to going to the gym or having a good old
pampering, it’s important you take time out.
Us-time
Leaving the house without your baby doesn't have to be limited
to just you either. Lots of new moms miss the time they spent
with their partner when it was just the two of them and that's
perfectly normal too.
So if you've got a trusted family member or friend who can watch
your baby, spending a little time as a couple can be a welcome
break for you both.