Top Ways for New Moms to Pamper Themselves

Let's face it, as a new mom there's not enough time in the day to take a shower, let alone pamper ourselves. However, we accept this new reality because we love our little one so much and we are completely focused on their well being. At what point though do we sacrifice our own well being? If we don't take time for ourselves, aren't we asking our kids to make the ultimate sacrifice by not being at our best for them? Welcome to the balance dilemma that all mom's face, whether you have a new baby or an older child. Is it ok to take time away from my baby to indulge in some "me time"? My feeling is yes, pampering yourself is not luxury but a necessity in order to help us be emotionally healthy parents to our kids. So go ahead, put the guilt aside for a few hours and let yourself be pampered! Here are some great ways to do it:

Manicure and pedicure: Find a relaxing spa like a salon and ask for an extra long foot and hand massage. Nothing makes you feel more groomed and put together then a fresh manicure and pedicure.

Massage: This is the ultimate in pampering. Call ahead and talk with the massage therapist about the fact that you are a new mom and let them know if you have special needs.

Special lotions and soaps for the shower or bath: After you have a baby your skin can change and it may take a while to get back to normal. Find a wonderful smelling lotion and indulge yourself in this form of aromatherapy. Buy lotions that address problems such as stretch marks. Putting on great smelling lotion can make you feel fresh and energized after a bath or calm and ready for bed.

Go for a walk: Pampering doesn't have to be expensive. Can you think of a relaxing place to walk? Perhaps a shaded path near your home or by the water? Being out in nature is not only relaxing but a great way to reduce stress and regroup. Watch the things around you, smell the sent in the air, emerge yourself in the walk. It doesn't need to be about burning calories, just let yourself enjoy the environment around you.

Have support around to help with household chores: Let yourself be pampered by those you love and support you. They want to feel like they are helping so ask them to help with things around the house, like dishes or laundry. Keeping up with these chores are tough in the early months. If you don't want them doing this, consider asking a friend to watch your baby while you do the dishes. Ask a friend or family member to help with cooking a large amount of food that you can freeze and eat through out the week.

Go out with friends: Try not to get too isolated during the first few months and consider an outing with friends. Go to an old hangout or out for some coffee. Spend time with people that aren't draining and are willing to listen to the joys and tribulations of being a new mom.

Get a hair cut: It almost seems clich� but getting a hair cut or new style can help you feel so much better about yourself. Consider a style that is easy to maintain during this time.

Buy some new clothes: After you have a baby it can be so frustrating to not fit into any prepregnancy clothes. At the same time, you don't not want to keep wearing the same pair of maternity jeans over and over until you lose the weight. When I finally broke down and purchased a larger pair of pants, I was so happy. Find sales or whatever you need to do but you will feel better if you can wear non maternity clothes while you are trying to get back into shape.

Have a lavish meal and eat or drink the things you avoided for 9 months: When I was pregnant I swore that the first meal I had after the baby was born would be a turkey sandwich and a glass of wine with some sushi on the side. Maybe it didn't go exactly like that but it was fun to eat foods that I had avoided for 9 months. Just be sure to do your homework and talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Consider bringing in take out from your favorite restaurant.

Spend time at a baby store: Nothing is more fun right after you have a baby then taking him or her to a baby store and walking around to look at all the fun stuff that your baby just has to have. It's like being a kid in a candy store. This can be dangerous as you may overspend but also a great way to enjoy shopping with your bay.

Join a support group: These days more and more mommy support groups are popping up in the community and through specialized baby store retailers that also offer support groups. If you can't find a support group, a great way to meet other moms is to join a music class such as "Music Together" or a class at "Gymboree." The bottom line here is you can't go at it alone. The more mommy friend support you have the better.

Shut the door, lay down and take a nap: Let your partner, family, or friend take the baby for one hour. Close the door and relax. If you can't sleep just let yourself rest.

Make your bed comfy and inviting: Buy some new bed linens, get some comfy pillows, and make your bed as inviting and cozy as you can imagine. Consider getting some comfortable loungewear or PJ's to relax and sleep in. Make your bedroom a luxurious and inviting place to be for you and your baby.

Focus on doing something you love and that makes you feel at peace: This is really the ultimate form of pampering and it's different for everyone. Think about what you did before the baby that made you feel at peace, calm, and happy? Spend one hour a week or more doing that for yourself and you will see positive effects.