Being a mom doesn’t only mean taking care of the baby. It also means taking care of ourselves. Before pregnancy, I was already trying my best to eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of water, etc. When I got pregnant the more that I tried following health laws. However, now that our precious baby girl is out I’ve noticed that trying to keep up with everything is a bit challenging. The baby does take a lot of our time.

So, what does a mom do to stay healthy?

1. Spend time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. It’s the most important food that we can eat for the day. The Bible says, Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” This is spiritual health.
2. Eat your meal regularly. I try to eat my meals at a regular time each day with breakfast as the heaviest and dinner as the lightest. If you eat enough, you don’t have to eat between meals. Make sure that your plate is colorful each time you eat. Remember your nuts, fruits, and vegetables! What you eat is basically what the baby eats.
3. Drink lots of water especially if you’re breastfeeding. This will help you produce more milk and keep you and the baby hydrated.
4. Exercise daily. Doing chores and taking care of the baby may sound like exercise since we’re already moving around however, nothing beats being out there in the sunshine, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful nature around us. Take the baby with you. Yes, he or she doesn’t need the walk or the jog yet but you do. We do.
5. Get plenty of rest. You need all the rest that you can get especially after giving birth. Literally, rest. Follow the doctor’s advice of taking it easy for the next 12 weeks. If you have the privilege of a longer time off, go for it. When the baby is napping, nap. When the baby is sleeping, sleep. A healthy body produces more milk that’s really good for your baby.
6. Be temperate in all things. Practice careful weighing and balancing situations. Sometimes many people would want to come and visit you and see the baby but when you’re not feeling up to it, politely say “no”. They can visit some other time. Chores may be piling up but you may have to say “no” to them and go get your rest. Put your feet up. The chocolates may look delicious but you don’t have to eat all of it. The book you’re reading may be so interesting but you don’t have to finish all of it at once.

By taking care of yourself, you are taking care of your baby and your family. Only a healthier mind and body can better serve God in the homes that He has placed us. Our family members will appreciate us more if we are healthy.