“The moment a baby is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before.” – Rumi

Just like the baby opening its eyes in a new world, the woman giving birth also enters a parallel new world, the world of motherhood. And like her baby, she has to learn to survive and thrive. Motherhood brings her joy, but it also has challenges that she has to cope with to stay healthy and happy. Here are our seven prescriptions for mums to stay on top of their game.

Eat right

All mothers need a well-balanced and nutritious diet, whether or not they are breastfeeding. It’s a common desire to lose pregnancy weight as quickly as possible. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which do more harm than good. Cutting out on calories completely can adversely affect your metabolism. So eat right and start with light exercises.

Keep yourself well hydrated and include all the major food groups in your diet and with proper proportions. Your body needs to replenish all the energy and micronutrient stores depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Eat right, and you’ll be healthy and happy.

Work out

Engage in a regular exercise routine to stay active, energetic and get back in shape. Working out is a natural mood booster as it releases endorphins in the brain that trigger positive feelings. Regaining your strength, stamina and figure is crucial for building self-confidence.

Go on a daily walk, do yoga or join a fitness club. Remember to take it slow just after giving birth, as your body is still in the recovery phase. Practice kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve the downward pressure feeling, bladder control and sexual function.

Practice gratitude

There is no single way to be a perfect mother but a hundred ways to be happy and content. Practising gratitude gives a more positive outlook in life. Before going to bed, or once you wake up, think of the things you’re thankful for. Count your blessings and avoid comparisons.

If scrolling through social media makes you feel inadequate, then limit its use. You can’t compare someone’s best day with your worst. Celebrate your achievements no matter how small they may seem, like successfully breastfeeding, shedding a couple of extra pounds, or your baby graduating from a bottle to a sippy cup.

Bond with the baby

Nothing can compare to the happiness one feels when holding the baby and looking at those sparkly little eyes. Find ways to strengthen and nurture the bond between you and your baby.

Cherish the moments when you cuddle and smell your baby’s scent. Those tiny hands holding you for support will outgrow yours in no time. Remember, the sleepless nights and the crying spells will not stay forever. Your babies will grow, but your loving bond with them remains forever.

Keep the spark alive in your intimate life

Sometimes, you spend too much time caring for your baby that you unintentionally neglect your intimate life. It’s fully understandable. You’re trying to raise a new life. But just remember that before becoming a mother, you’re a wife first. So go on a candle-lit dinner date, go-kart racing or weekend getaway with your husband.

Then again, even if you take care of your intimate life, sometimes hormonal changes like low estrogen levels after childbirth and physical issues, including vaginal dryness, vaginal laxity and perineal tearing, make sex less desirable. At times even painful, especially for new mothers. If you are struggling with these issues, consider an effective treatment for increasing vaginal tightness and enhancing sexual pleasure.

Rekindle your intimate life to stay carefree and confident as a woman and homemaker.

Indulge in activities you love

Self-love is not selfish. Have some me-time for activities you enjoy. Let your husband, family or friends help with baby care. Maybe you just want a long, restful sleep. Maybe you want to walk in the park. Perhaps you have an unfinished blog about your pregnancy journey. Or, maybe you have a painting in your garage that needs some finishing touches.

Play a board game or a hand of cards with your buddies. Go on a movie date with your girl gang, visit a hair and nail salon, or pamper yourselves through massage. Arrange a family picnic and make fun memories. Spending time to unwind, breathe and be creative is crucial for a full heart and a healthy mind and body.

Stay organised

Being a mum is the toughest full-time job with no days off or vacation leaves. And so it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and lose track of things. Find useful ways to kickstart your day as a busy mum. Making a clear plan and prioritising important tasks can reduce stress, increase productivity and lead to happiness and tranquillity.

Use calendars, to-do lists or apps to manage your time effectively. Regularly go through your belongings and declutter your home by donating items you don’t need. As motherhood can be unpredictable, keep your plans flexible enough to make room for urgent matters.

In conclusion

Embracing motherhood with these seven easy-to-follow tips can make all mums happier and healthier. Eating right and working out will nourish and strengthen your body. Being thankful, indulging in fun activities and cherishing moments spent with your loved ones will rejuvenate your soul. Finally, staying organised will help you go through this journey with grace and confidence.

About the Author

Dr. Ammar Mahmoud is a highly respected cosmetic gynecological surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures. He has a particular focus on sexual wellness and function. He has trained at St. George’s University, where he served as Vice President of the Medical Honor Society and on the board of the Anatomical Clinical Research Society. Dr. Mahmoud also completed his residency at the State University of New York Downstate, where he currently serves as a clinical associate professor. In recent years, he has given a keynote speech on advanced labiaplasty and vaginoplasty techniques and has been a faculty member at the International Cosmetic Gynecology Conference in 2018 and 2019. Dr. Mahmoud is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. He is dedicated to providing his patients compassionate and professional care based on individual needs.