The holidays are always full of excitement, joy, and optimistic wonder of the unknown adventures that the new year presents. Unlike other people eagerly awaiting the new year, mothers who have recently welcomed a bundle of joy into their lives have an extra, often unseen and unspoken burden when facing the holidays and the new year. So, before facing the holidays here are some tips to keep your heart, family, and home happy and healthy.
The holidays are filled with love and joy especially when introducing the newest member of your family to loved ones. However, many mothers struggle with finding a balance between social events and bonding time with their new baby and other children. Your baby’s first holiday season is important and should be cherished above all else. Staying home or cutting social events short can greatly reduce your stress levels and increase your time with baby. Small statements such as “the baby needs rest” or “the holidays are really hard on my immune system” can help remind family members and friends better understand your situation.
Gift giving is a huge part of the holidays. However, most people are uncomfortable with vocalizing their gift requests. This holiday season stray away from material goods and try something new; ask for support. Providing loved ones with a “wish list” for professional support allows long distant family members to provide overnight infant care, knowledgeable expertise, breastfeeding support, household chores assistance, and a piece of mind. Postpartum doula services are often forgotten during the holidays, but a request from you may be exactly what your loved ones need to hear.
For those looking for great gifts for friends with babies, the gift of infant and mother care from a knowledgeable postpartum doula can go a long way. To a new mother the gift of knowing that her child is safe while she sleeps, showers, or even plays with her other children can mean the world. Postpartum doulas also provide evidence based support to mothers and encourage them through many different transitional phases.
Overall it is important to remember that the holidays is a time of joy and reflection. A time to cherish our loved ones and reflect on the past year.
The holidays are filled with love and joy especially when introducing the newest member of your family to loved ones. However, many mothers struggle with finding a balance between social events and bonding time with their new baby and other children. Your baby’s first holiday season is important and should be cherished above all else. Staying home or cutting social events short can greatly reduce your stress levels and increase your time with baby. Small statements such as “the baby needs rest” or “the holidays are really hard on my immune system” can help remind family members and friends better understand your situation.
- At family gatherings, placing your baby in an Ergobaby or a Baby Bjorn can reduce stress levels. By having your baby close to your body at social events, your child can relax, sleep, and feel comforted while you socialize. Also, wearing your baby will help reduce his or her contact with other people while reducing chances of over stimulation or stress.
- While at social gathering allow yourself some quiet time. Sneak away to a less crowded area to collect yourself. Take a few moments to yourself. This will help reduce drain from over stimulation.
- Social outings can drain the whole family therefore it is important allow yourself and your baby time to wine down and decompress. Setting time limits and leaving the party early can shorten the duration of event which will allow you more time at home with your baby.
- Hiring qualified and knowledgeable postpartum help can help maximize the effectiveness of your rest periods between events. Planning to have a doula meet you at your home and care for you, your family, and your home, between holiday events will decrease your family’s stress levels and help you enjoy each outing.
Gift giving is a huge part of the holidays. However, most people are uncomfortable with vocalizing their gift requests. This holiday season stray away from material goods and try something new; ask for support. Providing loved ones with a “wish list” for professional support allows long distant family members to provide overnight infant care, knowledgeable expertise, breastfeeding support, household chores assistance, and a piece of mind. Postpartum doula services are often forgotten during the holidays, but a request from you may be exactly what your loved ones need to hear.
For those looking for great gifts for friends with babies, the gift of infant and mother care from a knowledgeable postpartum doula can go a long way. To a new mother the gift of knowing that her child is safe while she sleeps, showers, or even plays with her other children can mean the world. Postpartum doulas also provide evidence based support to mothers and encourage them through many different transitional phases.
Overall it is important to remember that the holidays is a time of joy and reflection. A time to cherish our loved ones and reflect on the past year.
Joyce Thompson, Birth & Postpartum Doula -Written by guest contributor and A Woman's Design doula, Joyce Thompson
As a doula, Joyce's primary goal is to help women obtain births and postpartum support which incorporate her personal culture, customs, beliefs and ideology by providing constant support, encouragement and care.
As a doula, Joyce's primary goal is to help women obtain births and postpartum support which incorporate her personal culture, customs, beliefs and ideology by providing constant support, encouragement and care.
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