Postpartum is such a beautiful powerful intense overwhelming _______ (fill in the blank) whirlwind of a time. I've been there 4 x as a mama and countless as a midwife & family doc x a combined 37 years. We can be swept away in the love of our little one, while overwhelmed by their relentless needs at all hours. It's a lot, and often we're doing it far from family or friends - or even in a pandemic! It's easy to forget that we need to care for ourselves, too. We need to hit pause - step away from the demands - and remember to feel our core - who we are outside of and still within all of the roles we have. Touch our essential, quiet, central selves. I see so many mamas in my practice that come to me having lost their sense of self. Putting their family first, doing the housework, working a full-time job, etc. It's exhausting and a wonder that they're still standing! This is why I made this self-care list that I shared in my book Natural Health After Birth - one of the first modern postpartum books - and one of the first to use the terms fourth trimester and matresence! Here are the 'mantras' of postpartum (+ any time!) self-care" 🌸I am nourishing my postpartum body 🌸I eat something fresh each day 🌸I allow myself to rest when I'm tired 🌸I nap as often as I can 🌸I drink enough fluids 🌸I spend time in nature 🌸I get enough sunlight 🌸I get help for physical concerns 🌸I get enough exercise 🌸I make time to enjoy life (music, art, etc.) 🌸I do things that bring me joy and satisfaction 🌸I ask for help when I need it 🌸I forgive myself for making mistakes 🌸I take time to laugh 🌸I make time for friendships/important relationships Remember - this list isn't another to-do list to pressure yourself with - it's a gentle reminder of what you have the right to. Use it as a guide to loving compassion towards yourself and reflect on the ways that you can show up for YOU! Make sure to SAVE this list to reflect on daily! And SEND it to another mama in your life, she may need the reminder! And make sure to get a copy of Natural Health After Birth - it's a great gift to self or another mama in your life. How else do you nurture yourself? 📷 @maternitycarecoalition