By Francesca Riboldi, NLC
A new mom’s life is tough, no matter where you are.
In Italy, where I live, moms (and female relatives) are considered “child-centered” by definition. When a young Italian woman dares to start thinking about having a baby, the whole family is suddenly involved. Everyone has something to say about what to do or to ward off—before, during, and post-pregnancy.
What you end up with is a lot of overwhelmed expectant ladies and super stressed new moms. They have an Italian mother or aunt who stocks the fridge daily, but they don’t know how to take care of their own wellness, and the importance of doing so isn’t even considered.
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There is no guilt or shame in taking time off from baby duties and focusing on nourishing your own health—both physically and mentally. In fact, the more you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of your little one. Here are a few staple pieces of advice, informed by my own experience, that I share with my clients.
5 Tips for New Moms
1. Focus on nutrient-density.
This is an oldie but goldie for pregnant women and new moms in general.To eat empowered, consider the nutrient density of your diet. It is beneficial for your baby’s development and your milk supply, as well as your recovery. Your diet should include whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Especially after delivery, I recommend great quantities of broth and veggie soup.
2. Keep on moving.
As soon as you get cleared by your doctor, go back to working out. Whether it’s long walks in the park or stroller fitness, don’t give up on exercise, especially if it was part of your daily routine before. Adjust your workout to your new physical condition, and make time for it. Plus, babies love to work out in their wraps, heart-to-heart with mommy.
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3. Share your journey.
Sharing is caring among moms-to-be and new moms. Talking to other women going through the same beautiful journey can be beneficial for both the one who is listening and the one who is telling her story. Pre- and post-natal groups are the best place to find support and work through any doubts. Someone else who would surely love to hear about your feelings is your partner; let’s start talking more about what our lives as moms are like
4. Focus on your inner self and put your thoughts on paper.
According to research, women are often more creative during and after pregnancy. Although there never seem to be enough hours in the day once the baby arrives, meditation and journaling are practices that are worth prioritizing, whenever you can fit them in. Take advantage of the baby’s naps and take twenty minutes off to dive into a guided meditation and to write a few lines. A settled and peaceful mindset will convey tranquility to the baby, too, and will help you face everyday tasks.
5. Nurture your skin.
Glowing skin can immediately boost your beauty and mood, especially on days when our hormones are against us. Skin-care and beauty treatments should be mandatory tools for expecting and new moms. A facial massage, for example, will leave you looking and feeling immediately refreshed. One simple way to do it at home, while the baby’s asleep, is to use a jade roller and a good natural oil. To make your beauty routine, more effective, don’t forget the easiest skin-care trick: drink plenty of water daily.
(Featured Photo: Shutterstock)
Francesca Riboldi HHC, NLC, CSEN is an Italian mom and holistic Health and nutrition coach based in Italy. She has started her wellness career after graduating from the Nutritious Life Studio’s Certification Course and attending Italian holistic courses. After founding Francesca Riboldi Wellness—the Italian way, Francesca has started seeing clients all around the world, with the goal to convey the Dolce Vita lifestyle vibes and Mediterranean nutrition principles. Visit her website at francescariboldi.com and follow her on Instagram at @francesca_c_riboldi.