Having a newborn during the winter is as magical as it is stressful. When you are feeling overwhelmed by it all, try repeating these affirmations to protect your postpartum peace in the midst of all the holiday chaos.
I am grateful for this season of my life.
When you feel yourself getting stressed out over something, pause and name one thing you are grateful for right now. Reflecting on the things we appreciate helps to put everything, especially things we are stressed about, into perspective. I like to name something that’s small and concrete that I’m grateful for in that moment. For example, if my baby is not napping for longer than 20 minutes without being held, I focus instead on how she’s able to sleep so cozily snuggled up against me. I am grateful for this season of my life.
I have the power to choose what’s best for my baby and for me.
Over the constant hum of well-intentioned advice from others, hear your own voice reassured and clear. Other than following medical and safety guidance from your pediatrician, you are free to mother however you want to, no matter what anyone else says. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries for yourself and enforce them. If that means no one else is allowed to hold the baby at the family gathering, then pop your little one into a baby carrier and politely but firmly decline unwanted offers to hold him. I have the power to choose what’s best for my baby and for me.
I am taking this one day at a time.
Living that #newmomlife can seem like one long and endless loop of feeding, burping, diapering, and napping your newborn. Add in gas, colic, witching hour, leaps, or whatever else might be making your baby cry inconsolably, it’s easy to feel like you’re going to lose it. In those moments, remind yourself that each day your baby grows a little older, and each day you become a little more seasoned as a mom. You’re both still getting used to things, and it will get better. I am taking this one day at a time.
I let go of what I cannot control and focus on what brings me joy.
Rather than dwelling on what you can’t change, savor the things that add an extra bit of happiness to your days. Maybe your plans to create fun holiday memories with your baby got derailed unexpectedly. Can you replace that disappointment with something else that brightens your day? Maybe listen to your favorite Christmas carols while you dance around with your baby. Maybe try to squeeze in a warm bath while your partner takes the baby for a while. I let go of what I cannot control and focus on what brings me joy.
No matter what is going on outside of your postpartum cocoon, your baby turns to you to feel safe, warm, and loved. Protect it. Nurture it. You and baby both benefit from preserving that cocoon for as long as possible during the fourth trimester. Here’s to your magical, messy, and hopefully joy-filled holidays, mama.
♡ Stacy
