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Post by Lauren Good for Maple

The moment we become parents, so many areas of our lives shift and change. How we spend our time and the amount of time we have to dedicate to ourselves all change in an instant. For many of us, self-care rituals and routines are the first area of our lives to fall to the wayside.

When we become parents and we have less time to spend taking care of ourselves, it can feel frustrating and unsettling as we struggle to feel some sense of normalcy. Here are some areas to focus on as you navigate maintaining your physical, emotional and mental health in parenthood.

The 5 Steps for Healthy Living as a New Parent:

1. Alternate scheduled times to exercise with your partner.

Schedule the days and times that each of you have agreed to in the Maple App! i.e. On Saturday morning, my partner watches the children while I take 30 minutes to exercise. On Sunday, my partner takes his turn. Put this in the Maple App and treat it like any other commitment that you wouldn't back-out of.

2. Start with very small goals.

A 10, 15 or 20 minute workout may be all that is possible for the first few months or even years after becoming new parents. Consistency is the key, not the length of time you exercise.

3. Start each day with an energizing breakfast and end each day with a nourishing dinner as a family.

Find someone to follow on Instagram, a blog, or a cookbook that offers ideas for fast, easy and healthy recipes so that preparation is quick and not too daunting.

4. Let your partner know what you need to maintain your sanity.

Communicating your needs (in all areas of your lives, not just "wellness") is key when it comes to your healthy lifestyle and all aspects of your family-life.

5. Begin or expand your mindfulness practice.

Work on mindfulness to increase your tolerance of the exhaustion, frustration and stress that often accompanies new parenthood. You don't have to meditate for an hour a day to reap the benefits. Try waking-up and doing 2-3 minutes of mindfulness meditation before jumping into the day. You'll be very surprised how just a small amount of time meditating can improve the rest of your day! Check out our partner Mindful Mamas (and use discount code Maple30).

Remember that prioritizing your health is not selfish! We show-up better for ourselves, our children and our partners when we make it a point to take care of ourselves.

Below is a recipe I frequently share with my postpartum health coaching clients to support their lactation during the postpartum period (if they've chosen to breastfeed, of course)!
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Healthy No-Bake Oat Bites to Support Lactation

1 C gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 C crunchy peanut butter or almond butter (all-natural)
1/2 C ground flaxseed
2 TBS chia seeds
1 TBS brewer's yeast
1/3 C maple syrup
1 TSP vanilla extract
1/2 C dairy-free chocolate chips (we love "HU" brand)

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and form into balls using your hands. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour.

5 Steps for Healthy Living as a New Parent (+ Lactation Recipe!)