Tips to take time back as a parent

(NC) Becoming a new parent is truly one of the greatest joys in life. It can also be exhausting and at times feel all consuming. Here are a few ways you can find some time for yourself while you adjust to your new life as a parent.

Listen and learn
Make feeding time multi-tasking time. While you’re nursing, pop in your ear buds and turn on your favourite podcast or an audiobook, or binge that series you’ve been hearing so much about. If the sound disturbs your baby, turn on closed captioning and hit mute.

Engage the family
If you have older children, get them to help out with age-appropriate chores. Younger kids can be tasked with keeping their room clean and tidying up common areas. Teach older kids how to run the laundry or dishwasher, and get them to take care of things like shovelling. Also consider using a silicone breast milk collector by Medela on the opposite side while you nurse, which conveniently captures milk so someone else can feed the baby while you sleep or get out of the house.

Catch up on your rest
If you’re having a hard time relaxing, try a warm bath and soothing music, or give meditation a go. Comfy clothes like soft joggers, fleecy zip-ups and cozy socks can help you chill out, and nursing clothes, like a sleep bra from Medela, lets you keep nursing more comfortably with less fuss.

Pamper yourself
Feeling good about yourself is a great way to boost your mood even when you're feeling worn out. Being outside with baby in the sunshine can brighten your spirits and provide health benefits for both of you. Consider personal grooming service providers such as hairdressers and estheticians who offer in-home services. If your body is feeling beaten down – and that “if” is probably redundant – consider booking yourself an at-home massage.