The most important thing as a new mom is to be kind and patient with yourself – it’s not an easy task bringing life into the world and caring for a little baby. Cut yourself some slack whenever you can – and pat yourself on the back when you’ve showered before 4pm.

20 Tips For New Moms

1. If you’re lucky, you’ll make time for a shower by 4pm. In the meantime, invest in some dry shampoo. Chemical-free, ideally.
2. Don’t feel bad about ignoring or saying no to visitor requests – stay in your bubble for as long as you can.
3. The sudden drop in hormones post-baby can cause very dry skin (in addition to lots of other fun symptoms), so stock up on plenty of natural oils to moisturise your skin – not just baby’s. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself too.
4. Keep an ongoing list of gifts you have been given on your phone – otherwise you will never remember who gave you what when it comes to writing your thank you notes.
5. Download the Headspace app and do short meditations while you breastfeed. It calms the baby too, I find.
6. Buy a nice water bottle to keep by your bed and with you at all times. Nursing is thirsty business!
7. Line up play dates (at other people’s houses) for your older kids, if you have them, so you have some scheduled distractions ready.
8. Nursing bras don’t have to be ugly. Buy one that makes you feel human and feminine every time you put it on.
9. Have a friend on speed dial that you can call at anytime if/when the blues set in – with no judgement of course – this will help you to no end.
10. You don’t need to use any soap or shampoo on a new baby – just water – but a pure organic oil is great to apply after bath time for a short massage.
11. Treat yourself to an awesome pair of stylish trainers – you’ll be walking a lot with the stroller or the baby sling – so even if you’re secretly wearing your pyjamas under your coat, a cool pair of sneakers can make you feel put together.
12. Sorry to say, but you won’t be going out much in the next few months so download a few box sets that you’ve been meaning to watch.
13. Eating nutritious food is essential for new mothers. Whether you are recovering from surgery, a long birth, or just exhausted from sleepless nights, feeding and emotions (this applies to every new mother), it is so important to fuel your body with fortifying foods that will give you real energy (not sugar!). Schedule in regular deliveries from Ocado if you can, ask your friends to drop off some extra food for you and be sure there is plenty of nutritious food in the freezer. If not, ask your mother-in-law to get cooking and stock it…
14. Don’t waste your money on fancy dresses or cute jeans for babies under 6 months – they live in babygros and onesies. Make life as easy as possible for yourself.
15. Don’t wash your baby’s clothes in chemicals – buy non-toxic baby laundry products. Remember, it’s constantly touching their skin.
16. Borrow as much “stuff” as possible. It’s a short window that you need all the baby gear so don’t waste money needlessly. People are usually thrilled to get baby goods out of their house if they are past that stage. Just don’t forget to make a list of who has given you what – it will be incredibly helpful when it comes time to return it.
17. Schedule in a manicure/pedicure for yourself in a few weeks’ time. Ideally book someone to come to you at home. You’ll need the pampering by then!
18. Remember that if you are breastfeeding, all you’ll want to wear is button-down shirts. I went to Gap, Zara and J Crew to stock up on denim and white oxfords – or if you fit in your husband’s, borrow his.
19. If you have other kids, invest in some fun projects to keep them occupied on rainy days – or sunny days. Browse through The Tot’s Activities, Puzzles & Games for some ideas.
20. Get outside – it’s the best medicine. Keep diapers, wipes and a change of clothes in your stroller (that’s all you really need), so you can head out at any time without a diaper bag. Or strap on the baby carrier and get walking. A little fresh air always clears the mind, refreshes you and, don’t forget, it helps you lose your baby weight naturally without dieting.

Continue exploring

• Birth Doula Missy David discusses the importance of self-care during the fourth trimester
• See our guide to 10 baby basics to get you through the first 6 months