Being a mother is hard work. For every mother taking care of herself takes a distant backseat once the child is born. But when she stops caring for herself, it impacts her ability to care for her child and henceforth it impacts her joy in motherhood.
So what are some dos and don’ts that would keep every mother healthy and more equipped to face tougher times in their motherhood.
Let’s get started with the dos -
Sleep- Taking rest is very important for a body, with working all day tirelessly having a good sleep becomes imperative. A good night’s rest can nourish her to face the daunting tasks she would be up against the next day.
Exercise- Maintaining good body shape is only possible with plenty of exercises and a healthy diet. To become the best mother she can be, exercise and diet play a very vital role.
Mental health- Along with the body, her mind too needs strong immunity. Meditation can relax her mind and keep her calm by gently taking the stress away. Also, let her go out and meet her friends or just enjoy a blissful morning by having a cup of tea/coffee, it can refresh her mind.
Regular Health check-ups-
1. Blood Pressure Screenings- A blood pressure below 120/80 should be cause for concern. Stress, obesity, extra salt intake all can lead up to blood pressure problems.
2. Cholesterol Check-up- This tool assesses her risk of heart diseases or strokes and should be done once every 5 years.
3. Pap Smears-This is a test for cervical cancer and should be done once every 3 years after the age of 35. Due to improper lifestyle, hereditary issues, and various other causes, cervical cancer has been rising steeply in urban cities.
4. Breast Cancer screening — Women should have a mammogram every year, especially after the age of 45.
5. Bone Density Screening- Women should start getting screened regularly for osteoporosis with a bone density test at age 65.
6. Blood Glucose test- Women after age 45 must get a blood glucose test every 3 years to check for diabetes or prediabetes.
7. Colon cancer screening- Starting at age 50, women should have either sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the threat of colon cancer.
These were some do’s, now let’s address the don’ts-
Irregular eating patterns- Avoid having food at irregular intervals. Make sure she has her breakfast, lunch, and dinner on time.
Negative thoughts- A mother’s work is very grueling not just for her body but her mind too. Having negative thoughts can do more damage to her. Make sure she is in good company all the while.
Avoid Guilt- Constantly questioning her ability to raise a child can instill uninvited fear in her. Make sure she is not embarrassed at her imperfections and help her in being more kind to herself.
