Self Care

Lifestyle Changes

A balanced lifestyle for all parents means that all parts of their lives are being attended to, particularly time spent for themselves as individuals.

Many new parents put on hold their own needs as they deal with the changes and the needs of their baby. Diet, exercise, sleep, timeout, pleasurable activities, socialisation, relaxation, meditation, spiritual, work, intellectual, routines and emotional needs all need to be built into their lifestyle.

Although it can be difficult for a woman with PND to make changes to her daily life when she is feeling very depressed or anxious making small changes that bring about a more balanced lifestyle can be important. Sometimes it is not possible to make even small changes but on a better day she will be able to try something different. Approaching these things realistically is important.

For example, resting when her baby is sleeping and not doing housework, sitting to eat her lunch everyday or having a shower every morning can help to restore some normality and self care to her day, even if she doesn't feel like doing these things. Trying to go for a walk when she can or leaving the baby with her partner, a trusted family member or friend can allow her to take some time for herself. Other things such as reducing her commitments and the external demands on her for a while can help her to focus her limited energy on herself and her family. There may also be a need for her partner to reduce his work hours or defer study, training or sport commitments for a short time to be more available for support and assistance.