Congratulations, Mama you survived the holidays with your new baby! Right now the New Year is stretching out before you and ready to be taken on. This is a perfect time to sit down and visualize how you want the whole year to go as you grow and nurture your family. And rather than putting forward a strict set of resolutions, which to me can often feel like I’m setting myself up for failure, try setting some goals instead. Especially when it comes to nurturing and breastfeeding your little one even small goals can make a big difference.
My advice for new mothers (and for anyone really) is to make goals that are specific, make them sustainable, make them inspiring and be comfortable forgiving yourself if things don’t work out.
Some excellent goals to consider as a new parent are:
- Taking some time for yourself – such as spending some time alone, book club or women’s group
- Setting a sleep goal (for yourself!) The old adage is true – sleep when the baby sleeps. Don’t feel bad about laying down for a nap – laundry can wait until later.
- Exercising—try a baby/parent class to get you moving and out of the house. Many cities around the country offer classes for parent/baby. It’s a great way to get out of the house and meet new people.
- Ending on family. End each day with a family focus—put away electronic devices and spend time as a unit. Play family games, tell one another about the day, read a book or just snuggle on the couch.
- Starting weekly family traditions – Sunday brunch, Friday movie nights, game night or take an adventure day, such a hiking a local spot.
- Setting goals that get the whole family involved – like charity or volunteering locally
- Being realistic. If you have a new baby, set attainable goals so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Goal setting for the New Year is also a great way to help motivate older kids to make plans to achieve both long term and short term goals. With children, it’s a good idea to start small, and let the kids choose what they want to accomplish, such as taking the time each day to learn something new or practice a random act of kindness. A larger goal might be working to save money for a charity your kids care about to get them invested in the larger world.
Truly, goal setting is an amazing tool to help turn your visions into reality, even if things don’t turn out entirely as planned. Starting off your year with a new baby can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan to accomplish great things and figure out the steps it will take to get you there. Whether your goals involve starting a new career, re-entering the workforce or figuring out how to spend more time with your family, if you start off taking the time to visualize, write and properly plan it can help bring wishes and dreams into fruition. And if things don’t go as planned, don’t get discouraged. Just start over when you feel the time is right. Happy New Year!
Please use caution when attempting any of the carries, exercise or activities highlighted on this blog, social media or any other content channels. Please use common sense and caution when using a baby carrier. You should consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
Jennifer Lezak is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She studied and received her training at UCSD, close to where she grew up in San Diego. She mentored under several very experienced IBCLC teachers in different areas of practice in various hospitals and private practices around Southern California. Currently, you can find Jennifer through her private practice Milkmade LA, Loom – a hub for new parents, and Kaiser Permanente on Sunset Blvd. Jennifer Lezak regularly attends conferences and workshops to keep her knowledge and skills current. She has worked at several hospitals around Los Angeles, including Cedars Sinai Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital and has spent many years in Private Practice. She offers her services in Private Practice visiting clients at their homes, also with many local OB Doctors, Pediatricians, and clinics around Los Angeles in their offices. Before she found her calling as a Lactation Consultant, she received a BA from SDSU in English Literature. The proud mother of two boisterous young boys, ages 8 and 10, she understands the fears that go along with becoming a new parent as well as the challenges that parents face as their families expand. Jennifer loves helping new parents not only successfully breastfeed, or help to support breastfeeding, but to also manage the daily tasks of surviving motherhood while also finding a balance with their family’s every changing needs. Through Jennifer Lezak’s work she hopes to nurture a community where new mothers can find answers, become empowered, and form lifelong friendships.
