Self Care
It’s hard to practice self-care during the postpartum period. This is the time when we give everything we have to the baby, and friends and family focus attention on the baby too. But this is also a time when a parent’s needs are very important. There are two people who need care now – the baby and the new parent.
Self-care is not selfish. In fact, taking care of yourself allows you to care for your baby. You can’t give what you don’t have. Self-care helps new parents heal, remember their self-worth and set a good example for the baby.
Self-Care and Parenting/
Is-daryeelka iyo Waalidnimada
Watch Dr. Aletha Akers who talks about the importance of self-care for new moms (in English)
Daawo Dr. Aletha Akers oo ka hadlaysa muhiimada ay is-daryeelka u leedahay hooyooyinka cusub (Af Ingiriis)
Taking Care of Yourself in the
Time of COVID
Is-Daryeelidda Naftaada Waqtiga Covidka/Caburka
View this video to find ways to take care of yourself during this time when stress is high and people are more isolated (in Somali)
Daawo muuqaalkan si aad u heshid habab aad isku daryeeli karto wakhtigan oo diiqadu aad u sarayso dadkuna ay aad u go’doonsan yihiin ( Af-Soomaali )
Daryeelka Naftaada
Raadi habab aad ku tababarato is-daryeelka
maalinta oo dhan
Taking Care of Yourself
Find ways to practice self-care throughout the day
What is Mental Load in Motherhood?
Learn the components of "mental load" and how it affects new parents
Common Mental Labor Tasks
What are the common mental labor tasks of a new parent?
Seeking Support for Mental Load
Get support for your own mental load as a parent
Reflection Questions
Things I enjoy doing outdoors:
Things I enjoy doing that involve movement:
Things I enjoy doing that involve my support network:
Something I can do if I only have five minutes to care for myself:
Something I can do if I have an hour to care for myself:
A ritual I can complete each day that makes me feel cared for:
More Resources
Self-Care for New Moms - Learn more about The 4th Trimester Project's self-care activities for body and mind during the 4th trimester.
Healthy & Fit on the Go: Signs of Stress - Review the University of Minnesota Extension's signs of stress and 10 top stress busters in English and Somali.
Mindfulness Exercises - Practice calming strategies from the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH)