Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Baby Massage Instructor | Mummy of Two | Founder of Baby Steps
As a new Mummy how many hours a day and night do you spend feeding? Lots!!
Do you have some nice things where you feed, or by your bed for night feeds, to enjoy and keep up your energy?
Maybe you do and maybe you don't, either way here are some lovely suggestions for you...
Hand Cream
Caring hands. As a new Mum you will very likely be washing or sanitising your hands more than before. Keeping them clean; washing after nappy changes, washing bottles, baby clothes, whatever it may be. So it is good to keep them moisturised and soft. Also give you a chance to catch your breath. Taking a few moments to take in the lovely scent, enjoy massaging them into your hands. A little treat for you.
Water
Water, water, water. As a new Mum whether breastfeeding or not it is so important to keep yourself hydrated. Our bodies need water to be able to function well and with sleep deprivation on top it is vital. A really good way to do this is to have a glass of water beside you every time you feed.
One-handed snacks
I know as a Mummy of two how hard it can be to manage to make a meal and make sure that we eat regularly. So here are some ‘one handed’ snacks that you can enjoy while you are feeding.
Paprika Almonds
Buy a bulk pack of almonds, cover in no sugar soy sauce and paprika and roast in the oven on a medium heat for 15-20 mins. Keep checking as they can burn very easily! Or if you prefer your almonds plain simply spray with olive oil and add a sprinkle of salt all over.
Trail Mix
1 handful of trail mix with includes seeds, nuts, coconut flakes and dried fruit/berries (make sure there is no sugar added). You can buy this or make up your own in a jar.
Crudites with Nut Butter/Hummus/ Cottage Cheese or mashed avocado
A cup of pre-chopped crudites – celery, cucumber, peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower or carrots – coated with ½ tbsp each of sugar free peanut butter or almond butter or you can dip these in 2 tablespoons of hummous/cottage cheese/ avocado
Fruit with Nuts
Ingredients: 1 pear or 1 apple with 3 brazil nuts or 10 almonds/cashews. You can also mix up the fruit and nuts you choose. Be mindful of how many nuts you have!
Dark Chocolate Nuts
2 x 70% cocoa dark chocolate covered brazil nuts or if you are having almonds you can have 5. Try making your own dark chocolate nuts or dried fruit or you can buy in a good health store.
Crackers with Nut Butter/ Avocado
1 rice cake or oatcake with 1 teaspoon of almond or peanut butter.
Apples with Nut Butter
If you would like to buy something ready to go I highly recommend this selection of healthy snacks from Nature Doc
Before we go any further, have you heard about... my online Ultimate Baby and Child First Aid and Home Safety course?
It covers not only what to do in emergencies but the day-to-day stuff - the toolkit you need. You can watch in your own time, in the comfort of your home and go back to it again and again, perfect for the whole family.
Back to the blog...
A Notebook
While this may be more two-handed or hopefully you can prop the notebook up as it is so lovely to have somewhere to jot things down. These may be things on your mind, little to-do lists, or they may be moments you want to capture and remember. Gazing down at your little one feeling full of love. It might be that you feel a bit wobbly and having the chance to journal, and let go of thoughts you are finding tricky can be helpful.
Gratitude
A really powerful tool when things seem overwhelming is to jot down 3 things you feel grateful for. You can use your notebook to do this or just say them to yourself or your baby!
‘Gratitude turns what we have into enough’
Mama Motivation/ Mindfulness cards
What new mama doesn't need a few power moves? A cheerleader, remembering that you’ve got this. It is lovely to have cards like these ‘Mind Cards’ to give you a pat on the back and a helping hand.
Keeping cosy
Sometimes even in the warmer months when you are inside and not moving you can feel a bit chilly, so make sure you have all your home comforts - cosy socks, rug, snuggly comfy clothes for feeding. Whatever works for you.
Something to read?
While you may want to focus all your attention on your little one you may find having a book, trashy magazine, whatever you feel like, as a way to help unwind.
Netflix?
Again depending on the time of day and where you are feeding a Netflix series may be perfect for you.
Taking in the moment
While I know how tiring and at times stressful feeding can be, it is true ‘the days are long but the years are short’ so enjoy the cuddles, the scent of your baby, stroking their hair, watching their expressions, their soft skin, little hands, warm bodies and drink it all in.
I would love to hear if you have any others to add. Please get in touch and I will be sure to reply :)
I am passionate about Mums feeling supported, and being your cheerleader and voice of reassurance.
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I can support you at home, in my beautiful Studio in the woods or online with courses, bespoke support and events. Click on the buttons below for more information.
My experience as a Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor, Maternal Wellbeing Practitioner, Baby Massage Instructor and Mummy of two means I can offer practical and emotional support to really help you.
I can’t wait to support you and your little one,
Always here for you
Katherine xx