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Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

Life is so hectic now- some days I just want to shriek. How can I blow off steam without flipping out?

Re: Life is so hectic now- some days I just want to shriek. How can I blow off steam without flipping out?

The Bump Expert

Shrieking works, but it might scare baby... or worse, wake him up. Two tried and true tactics for taking off the edge: Venting to friends (or other new moms), and getting some exercise. Find mom-to-mom support on online message boards (like ours!) or by joining a mommy group in your area. (Find one on lila guide.) And exercise doesn’t have to mean a trip to the gym and a total body workout. A brisk walk around the block can work wonders for your nerves.

More strategies: Take a few minutes every day (even five will help) for yourself. Don’t use every minute that baby naps to do chores or work. Instead, have a chat with a friend, grab a long, hot shower, or do a few yoga poses. And try to build some overall organization into your routine. Knowing what's on your plate will help you feel more capable of accomplishing it without freaking out.

Paula Kashtan | May 08 , 2009 11:25 AM

re: Q: Staying sane?

Exercise helped me a lot, but if you don't have time to do that you can take a mini vacation by taking a few deep breaths and think of something very peaceful - at worst it will get you through the next couple of hours.

kpropes | June 27 , 2008 2:33 PM

re: Q: Staying sane?

It's hard to do anything when the baby is sleeping since I'm afraid to leave her side.

LauraQS | January 12 , 2009 12:18 AM

re: Q: Staying sane?

My sanity saver was a great baby carrier. I used a pouch sling from day 1 and also the Moby Wrap for those long nights, and they saved my life. I was actually able to get some other things done but still feel that I was giving my baby what he needed. I now help other mamas find the perfect baby carrier to suit their needs!

SlingLady | April 20 , 2009 12:24 PM

re: Q: Staying sane?

Taking advantage of family/friends close by helps with the stress level even if it's just for a couple of hours those can be valuable in keeping sane.

trixiedine | June 25 , 2009 8:40 AM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

We recently started this routine from the book Babywise and our lives don't seem hectic anymore - best thing ever! We now know what the day is going to be like and our new son (6 weeks) is happier when awake and not dependent on us to fall asleep - plus he sleeps longer through the night.

Dodgeball Mama | August 04 , 2009 5:22 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

going for a walk is easy and you can take your bundle with you. showers work wonders, as does venting to friends. if your breastfeeding leave two bottles and your bundle with a family member or sitter and you and your lover or mabey a best friend go out for the evening. youll feel better and be able to better care for the bundle.

sunrocklove | October 23 , 2009 12:00 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

I joined a volleyball league on Tuesday nights to let go of my frustration. That has helped a lot to relieve stress and calm down after a long day of taking care of my 4 month old. I also take a long hot shower during his nap time to relax. Baby monitors are amazing...

gajohnson | November 09 , 2009 2:00 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

I think the Bunp Expert is so correct! After my second was born I quit work and the experience was so different from my first child. We were at home all the time, my 4 year old was going crazy and I had a newborn to take care of as well. I thought I would go insane... Then I found a Stroller Strides class in the area and started going religiously. It is truly a good workout, I lost the baby weight AND the other moms pulled me through the new mommy insanity. Now we are all friends and our babies are friends too! I definitely suggest finding a Stroller Strides in your area!

misslaneyr | December 05 , 2009 9:09 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

What I found really helps me is screaming, really. As a 12 year old I could scrteam very loud and it really helps me when I feel overwhelmed is I give my baby to my husband drive to the beach and stand on the sand and just scream. Sometime exercising helpps to.

Alex2097 | December 15 , 2009 6:50 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

I also follow the Babywise routine and swear by it. My little one (20 weeks) sleeps great and through the night and is pretty happy and content when he is awake. I still feel stressed out from time to time but its usually not because of an unhappy baby.

garvey | January 11 , 2010 2:40 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

We attended RIE parent/infant classes with Janet Lansbury and learned that babies can and should ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES if we let them. I am so grateful that I promote Janet's philosophy and parenting blog whenever I can. No 'tips and tricks' here, just practical, supportive advice based on years of training and observing thousands of infants. Parenthood can be a lot easier than most people make it. Janet's site doesn't sell anything and can be found at: Http://bit.ly/6zr9RO. Then come back to TheBump and share your discoveries!

McDume | March 10 , 2010 1:46 PM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

My MIL told me to trow ice (outside) & rip up phone books. I LOVE it and it works wonders when I feel like I'm going to freak out & break down. (Sometimes I just go outside and scream too, or in the bathroom. You HAVE to vent & sometime it needs to be more than talking & crying all the time. :)

nschwettman | June 03 , 2010 10:21 AM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

I know they say don't nap but I find that getting enough sleep makes everything easier. However, when I feel like I need to let off steam, I call my MIL (who lives about a mile away) to come up and play with baby. She has "Nana Magic" and the LO goes right to sleep in her arms while I have a grown up to talk to. As baby grows older, it does get easier- they learn to entertain themselves more and you have breathing room. Also, I find my monthly massage helps considerably! Nothing beats a "me time massage".

loveshockey53 | June 04 , 2010 10:32 AM

Q&A: Staying sane tips for new moms?

Having two of my own, one 3yrs and the other 4 months, I know that feeling you are talking about. You have to have YOU time. Find something you like to do and do it at least once a week. I found that even the littlest thing like baking by myself gives me time to collect my thoughts. You can't forget about you! Get a massage, go shopping alone (grocery, clothes, etc.) Whatever you like to do, find a way to do it and I guarantee you will feel much better. Mommies need their time too, don't feel bad about leaving your little one, the less stressed you are the less stressed they are =) Good Luck!

DavisM522 | June 22 , 2010 2:12 AM

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