Being a new parent is hard! Babies are amazing and magical, but also SUPER demanding (think dictator vs democracy). As a new parent taking time for you can really help you recharge you and make the demands of new parenthood easier.
Outside of our normal recommendations for self care (eat real food, shower and put on new yoga pants daily, nap when baby does at least once a day and get outside every day). We recommend that once healed all of our clients engage in some "me time". Living in Chicago we're so lucky to have so many different ways to accomplish this
Our top 5 "treat yourself" recommendations
1. Get a makeover! Postpartum hair loss is real (we promise you won't go bald) get a new hair cut and style. You'll feel better about you. On a budget? The Aveda school at Clark and Diversey does $16 blow outs (crazy right???)
2. Get body work. Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care. Whatever floats your boat and makes your feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. Fun tip some chiropractor like our office mate Back Home Chiropractic has in house massage therapists that they can bill to insurance!
3. Go out alone! Go get a hot meal by yourself, a coffee, a cupcake or even just a stroll. Being alone can be magic! Our postpartum team is happy to stay with babe while you do this!
4. New clothes. I hear so many moms say "this isn't my forever size" when they're in between maternity and pre baby wear. Get yourself a few outfits that fit and make you feel good about your current body!
5. Be active. Walks with baby, at home work outs, mom and baby exercise classes, get those endorphins going. It's not about losing the baby weight, but about getting your body moving! Tip: the drop in Yoga at Monica and Andy in Lincoln Park is supposed to be pretty rigorous!
PRO TIP FOR NURSING MOMS:
Get a hand pump, this makes adventures alone much easier without worrying about where and how you'll pump. That said dressing rooms are great! Also Prentice has multiple lactation rooms if your treating yourself downtown!
