5 Creative Ways to Make Your Maternity Leave Magical
I am currently on maternity leave with my second child, and I am soaking up every second. I’m trying to be mindful and remember all the sweet, quiet moments for me to look back on for years to come.
It's a magical, messy time, and I am all here for it.
Lately, I’ve been brainstorming how to make it even more magical.
Maybe, romanticize it a little?
The miracle of new life is amazing, and we should romanticize it, don’t you think?
So, I’ve compiled a list of ways to help make your maternity leave a little more magical.
#1 - Mindset Shift
I’ve been into mindset shifting lately.
For a long time, most of my twenties, I spent stuck in a fixed mindset, or you could also call it an “all or nothing” mindset.
I especially struggled with this when I had my son in January of 2021.
The shock of being sleep-deprived, anxious, and lonely made motherhood like drudgery.
At least at first.
It was a hard transition for me.
I had thoughts like...
“I will never sleep again.”
“My life will always be this hard now.”
"This stage will never end."
My thoughts defeated me, pummeled me, and kept me down.
So, when I became pregnant with my second baby, in November of 2022, I decided this time I would be different.
I started by shifting my mindset from an “all or nothing” mindset to a growth mindset.
It has literally changed my life.
You may be feeling the same way I did with my first—lonely, hopeless, anxious.
I’m here to say it does change. It does get better. It does get more magical.
Allow the fog to lift and don’t get stuck in a negative thought pattern like I did for months.
Do you want to shift your mindset?
If so, I have a little tip to help. Let me start with an example.
When I wake up, and hear both kids crying to get up, waiting for me to tend to their needs, I tell myself…
“It is a joy to serve my children.”
Now, this works for me, because it reminds me of who I am. I am their mother, and they need me.
I use the word “joy” because there is a difference between happiness and joy.
I am not always happy to get up early and serve my children.
I do not always want to.
I do not expect myself to always want to!
Let’s be honest…
Sometimes caring for my children is frustrating, time-consuming, and exhausting. And at times I really don’t want to.
But it does not change the fact that it is a joy, and it is now part of who I am. My children are an ongoing theme that continues to challenge and grow me.
This joy pushes me to be a better version of myself.
Less selfish. More kind. More patient.
So, when you are beginning to shift your mindset, start with the truth.
And say that truth to yourself.
Over and over.
It's a beautiful thing.
#2 - Spend time alone with your baby
One-on-one time with your precious new baby is a must.
I know it's not always possible to only spend time with your baby when you have other children to think about.
But, my advice to you is to take some time, in whatever way that looks for you, and snuggle that baby!
For me, I am fortunate to send my toddler to preschool a few times a week and get a lot of one-on-one time with my baby.
I am cherishing every moment with my snuggly baby and try to pause and take in every detail.
This might be the most difficult one to do, especially when there are so many things to get done and a house to keep.
I tell myself when I am sitting and snuggling that I will always have another mess to clean up.
But I will not always have my kids exactly as they are, right in this moment.
This moment is fleeting and time is a thief.
The dishes can wait.
#3 - Accept the Help Early On
I’ve gotta say, having the support of a partner changes everything.
My life is consistently easier because of my husband’s self-sacrifice.
After giving birth, he takes care me, does the dishes, the laundry, feeds animals, and changes more diapers than I can count.
Sometimes moms feel they should do it all.
But it doesn't have to be that way!
If you need a break from the baby, ask for it.
If you need someone to clean your kitchen, ask for it.
I don’t know what your exact situation is, but what I am saying is…
Accept the help.
Don’t face it all on your own when you don’t have to.
#4 - Journal your thoughts every day
I recently read the book The Slight Edge. The Slight Edge is about consistently making small positive choices that lead to happiness, success, and contentment.
For example…
reading a book 5 minutes a day
making a healthy snack every day
sending a friendly text to someone each day
The concepts I learned can be applied to every aspect of life— motherhood, building a business, marriage, raising kids, creating new habits.
The possibilities are endless.
The habit I adopted after reading this book is journaling every day for 5 minutes. Sometimes it's my random thoughts, other days I make a list of things I am thankful for.
This habit shifts my mindset, leading me to see other things I am thankful for.
Consider journaling to make your maternity leave more magical. I promise you will find more moments of gratitude and peace.
If you want to read the book, you can grab it here:
#5 - Allow your body to heal: self-care
Take some time for yourself.
Moms are human too!
Doing the bare minimum like taking a shower or using the bathroom alone should not be something moms need to beg for, especially during the postpartum period.
A few ways you can make time for yourself:
catch up on your favorite TV show
try out a new recipe
take a nap
You decide! Maybe you can do this once every day or every week, but either way, make some time for you.
Whatever you like to do, do it.
I created this boundary for myself recently, and I have to say, it keeps my identity intact.
I am a mother, but that is just part of who I am.
I am also a writer, a teacher, a reader, a Christian, a daughter, a sister, and a wife.
Remember to cultivate and grow the other beautiful parts of yourself.
Balance is always best.
Maternity Leave Magic: a few items to help
I made a list of items that might help make your maternity leave more magical! Check them out and tell me what you think.
