Looking after yourself now that you are likely starting to do more without your baby– going out with friends, returning to work or just having so alone time is just as important as when you first received your little one into your arms.

Here are a few ideas:

• Going out and about without your baby means eating and drinking more adult food and drinks.  Think about when you will be feeding your baby in relation to any alcohol you drink.  In moderation, drinking some alcohol is ok but it is important to know that it can pass through your breastmilk and that you should not drink in excess.  Just as you would when you are planning to be away from your baby, you will want to ensure that you have left enough breastmilk for her to have when you are apart.  And, if you are consuming alcohol, time it for just after you fed baby so your body has time to work it through your system before you feed her again. Whilst you are out drink plenty of water as well this will help prevent you from dehydrating. With Lansinoh’s Pump-Store-Feed system you can have peace of mind that you are still leaving a very important part of you in your breastmilk for your caregiver to give your baby.
• Thinking of getting into that favourite dress? Think about eating low calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables and salads and limit cooking with oils and fats.  Taking the skin and fat off meat will leave only the natural fat meats have.  Also getting out and about could include joining a gym or going to classes.  It’s also a great way to meet new people
• It may have been a while since you have been out without baby and you may feel a bit lost.  It isn’t unusual to worry about your baby whilst you are away from them.  Perhaps for the first few times go out with a family member for an hour or two or try going to the hairdressers or for a manicure as this will be a short time away from baby.   What about meeting colleagues for lunch a few weeks before you plan to return? It can help the transition back to work easier and you can  find out what’s been going on in their lives and any changes at work that would be good for you to be aware of.

Spending some time away from your baby can help strengthen the bond between the two of you.  The quality time you’ll spend together after being apart is like meeting him for the first time all over again.  Your baby will learn that it is ok for you to leave him and will recognise when you return that you spend your time playing and cuddling him; he will know to trust that you will always return to him. This can also be true for you and your partner – spending time together after a day out with friends or after work can help you concentrate on each other.

Spending time apart helps to nurture your relationship with your baby and your partner so that time spent together is more special. You will all benefit from forming new relationships outside of the home and realise that time spent apart can make you all stronger as a family.