Essential Self-Care Rituals for New Parents: Effective Skincare, Wellness Tips, and Doula Support

As a doula, my mission is to support and empower families through their fertility, birth, and postpartum journeys. At TENDER.LY, I provide compassionate, inclusive, and personalized care for all my clients. This includes creating customized birth plans, offering guidance on pain management techniques during labour, and providing infant support. I also assist with newborn care education, teaching parents how to soothe and bond with their baby. 

Whether it's through hands-on help during labour, emotional support during challenging moments, or educational resources to empower you, my goal is to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Helping you care for your mental health is an integral part of my job. Approximately 10-20% of birthers experience depression during pregnancy (perinatal depression) or after birth (postpartum depression). DID YOU KNOW? It’s not only birthers that struggle after the baby comes; about 10% of partners also experience postpartum mood disorders. 

When working with clients (no matter what stage they are in their journey), I work on developing and implementing self-care and wellness rituals that they can carry forward. These must be quick and easy to ensure that they are easily integrated into life postpartum.

Skincare is a self-care tool I employ with my clients often.  

Why skincare? 

As a self-care ritual, skincare has some pretty awesome, inherent benefits, which makes it a fantastic option for many birthers.

• Mental Relaxation
• The repetitive actions of cleansing, massaging, and moisturizing can have a calming effect, similar to meditation. This relaxation can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Establishes a Routine
• A skincare regimen can provide structure and a sense of normalcy in your daily life, especially when your whole world has just been turned upside down. For new parents, this can help you reclaim a sense of order and control amidst the chaotic world of newborn care.
• Promotes *Me* Time
• Carving out time for skincare creates a twice-daily occasion for a personal time-out. Every morning and evening, 5 - 10 minutes of quiet alone time. Time spent doing something that serves only you. A time to recharge and maintain your mental and emotional health.
• Helps with sleep
• A relaxing nighttime skincare routine can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down and help to improve sleep quality. At a time when sleep is scarce, using tools and tactics to improve the quality of what little rest you get is imperative. 

Quick Skincare Tips for Busy Parents

Time is of the essence, so here are some ideas for quick skincare rituals to incorporate into your day: 

• Mask while feeding: When babies are feeding 8-10 times a day, it can feel like you are solely at the service of others. Turn this around by masking during the feed. I love the Biophora Multivitamin Freeze Mask, which soothes, hydrates, clarifies, and nourishes, all while your little one gets the nutrients they need. 
• Hydrating Mist: If you have experienced the hormonal rollercoaster of the postpartum period before, you know about the sweats. Yes, that’s right, the rapid drop in hormone levels (it is the most significant hormone change in the shortest timespan any human ever experiences) makes it very difficult to regulate your body temperature. Keeping a refreshing mist nearby is so helpful. I love the Babor Thermal Spray - which comes in a travel size perfect for your baby bag - that provides the loveliest, refreshing pick-me-up throughout your day.

Prioritizing self-care might seem challenging as a new parent, but integrating quick and quiet moments of me-time can be so beneficial. Remember, taking time for yourself can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels, helping you be the best parent you can be.

Until next time, 

Alix