There's a Baby in Your Spa-Why the Pampering Doesn't have to End
June 14, 2009
 You've worked your way through forty or so weeks of pregnancy. You've eaten right, exercised some, and tried to live a virtuous and healthy life. And, if you've been adhering to the principles of this book, you've scrubbed, soothed, massaged and generally relaxed yourself through every single day of it. It stands to reason then, that when taking on the even more incredible and consuming job of mother, your physical and emotional health deserves even more attention. Easier said than done, however. Throughout the early days of parenthood you will believe that responsibility for propelling your new baby into adulthood rests entirely at your door. This is not necessarily the case as most dads can become quite adept at filling a bottle or finding a diaper and then attaching it to the appropriate part of the baby. Nevertheless, you will probably feel overwhelmed by the never-ending routine of your new life. The feeding, the rocking, the holding, the bathing, the soothing, the feeding. Because this is what you'll spend most of the first month doing. (That, and peering intently at the contents of every dirty diaper). Whether they're on the breast or the bottle, most newborns need topping up every three hours. During the average feed, your baby will likely fall asleep, spit up some, dawdle a bit, get gas and need burping, take a little break, poop a couple of times, and dawdle some more, all while taking in a measly few ounces. A single feed seems to take hours and then, just minutes later, they're hungry all over again. There is, however, something you can do to give yourself a break. For weeks now, people (friends, relatives, neighbors) have been offering to help. Whether you think they mean it or not is beside the point. This is the time to say yes. Have them make a meal while you read a trashy magazine, do a load of laundry while you take a nap, or look after the baby while you soak in the tub. At the end of it you'll be more than well-informed about celebrity gossip/wearing clean clothes/smelling great. You'll be a happier, more fulfilled and, dare I say, better parent. It's a simple equation. Tense, irritable mom equals fussy, squawking baby. Happy, relaxed mom equals happy, contented baby. So as you are now officially postpartum (that great and glorious excuse for every misplaced car key and forgotten birthday present), there's every reason the self- pampering should continue. You're doing most difficult and demanding job in the world (the most exciting and most fulfilling too). Nurture yourself, and you'll find it easier to nurture your child. Here endeth the lecture. Now go forth and enjoy your baby. Enjoy your new role as a mom. And enjoy your home spa for as long as there are night creams, facial masks and body scrubs to be made and relaxed under.
|
