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As a Baby Care Professional, it can be difficult to remember the importance of self-care. But taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do after caring for your client’s newborn.
The Need for Self-Care
Working as a New Birth Specialist or Doula is a very rewarding career. You interact daily with beautiful babies as they and their parents adjust to their new life together. For anyone who understands the magic of cuddling a small child, the rewards of this activity are no secret.
However, it is a difficult task. During working hours, you are solely responsible for the care of your client’s child, and newborns can be especially difficult. They don’t care if you need to use the toilet or if you don’t have a chance to eat. They want and need what they want and need on their own time, not yours.
In addition, it is common for NCSs to work overnight or for jobs that go 24/7. If you are not ready to find ways to take care of yourself, you may suffer from sleep problems and other health problems in the near future.
The Dangers of Lack of Sleep
People often ignore the importance of sleep. They may feel tired and weary, but they pour a cup of coffee and gather in the front, perhaps with a promise in the back that they will “come back later.” But lack of sleep can cause problems sooner than you think. Not only can it damage your mental health with stress and loss of mental energy, but it can affect you physically. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and cancer, too!
Why is it important to take care of yourself?
Everyone needs rest, happiness, and comfort. If you don’t take the time to take care of yourself, it takes a toll on your life, and it can have a negative impact on your longevity. Taking care of yourself is important to reduce your stress and maintain your health. It’s the best thing you can do for people who trust you. If you make yourself worthless, you have nothing to offer anyone, including your customers and their newborns!
Self-Care Tips for Newborn Professionals
1. Sleep When Baby Sleeps
This tip is especially important if you work 24/7 shifts. As recommended for new mothers, sleep when the baby sleeps (or when the baby is with the parents) until you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day.
2. Get at least 30 Minutes of Meaningful Activity Every Day
You may feel overwhelmed with all your NCS responsibilities. But it’s still important to find 30 minutes of meaningful and consistent work. Whether you do yoga or sign up for a program like the Daily Burn or just take the kid for a walk, your body will thank you.
3. Eat the Healthiest Foods Possible
This can be difficult, depending on what customers eat – especially if you operate 24/7. But most people understand better if you want to buy your own food. If your food is different from your customers, ask for a special place in the refrigerator to store your food.
4. Make Time Every Day for Activities You Love
Even with a 24/7 job, you’re sure to have a few moments each day without needing to sleep. Read a book. Knit a scarf. Play a video game or watch your favorite TV show. Whatever you choose, just make time for fun activities that refresh and replenish you.
5. Connect with Others
Hang out with your friends on your day off. If you go to work and you are in an unknown place, you can still go to the world. When you have a few hours (and you don’t need to sleep), take in a movie or hang out at the library or park. Call someone you love. Even spending time on Social Media can give you a chance to connect with others and reduce isolation.
Taking good care of yourself is important, especially when your job involves taking care of others. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising, and spending time de-stressing are essential to maintaining good mental and physical health. Not only is proper self-care important to you, it’s also the best thing you can do for your client and their newborns.