The brand new superhero: OptiMUM

Clio Wood - 30 Mar 17

I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t feel very optimum when I’ve just been sicked on for the third time or I’ve run out of baby wipes just when a poonami hits. Sometimes all the balls I’m trying to juggle conspire to fall at once, like when your brand new baby decides that nothing you do will settle her cries or when the house is a tip and you’re eating your fourth pizza of the week.  But you know what? You’re doing OK.  You’re doing more than OK.  You’re OptiMUM!  We just need a little reminding now and again.

I really struggled to come to terms with my new mum identity after my daughter was born.  I didn’t know what to do or how to fix it.  I was sad that I didn’t have my old confidence and knowledge, especially when I’d been brought up to be strong and independent.  For some of us, it’s the first time in our lives that we feel truly out of our depth.  To get through that postnatal period, touching on postnatal depression and coming out the other side, it was key that I spent time on myself in order to recognise how strong I could be.  Ultimately if I wasn’t feeling good, there was no way in hell I was going to be a good mother (or person to be around).

As mums (and dads) we spend so much of our time putting other people first, that we forget we need to take care of ourselves too.  And the reason I do what I do is to help remind you hard-working parents that you matter, that you deserved selfcare time, that you deserve to #BeYourOptiMUM (or OptiDAD).

Even in the not-so-new-mum phase, spending some time on you, rather than in an endless round of nappies is so important.  I personally like to exercise, to feel my body moving, my heart working, and the endorphin rush.  Eating well is a key component to your body feeling its best.  Mindfulness and massage are ingredients for a calmer mind and less-stressed life.  What you enjoy might be completely different, but most people know that being healthy and well is a good place to start.

I founded &Breathe to give new mums and dads the time and space they need to re-boot, spending time on themselves but also with each other as a new family and as a couple.  Self-care is the reason &Breathe exists!  It can feel like there are hundreds of resources out there for your baby, but none for you.  But, as some very wise person once said, you can’t pour from an empty cup; and you can’t be your best you (in whatever facet of life) without self-care. In short, like Batgirl needs her cape to assume her powers, OptiMUM, needs her self-care time.

Having a healthy body and mind is reason enough for selfcare, but it also means that you’re better able to take care of others. Being your best you, being at your OptiMUM, fine tuning yourself and helping your own wellbeing is our mission, whatever form that takes.

Whether it’s allowing yourself time to shop online rather than watching Peppa Pig, getting childcare so you can go to the gym, sharing parenting so you can get five minutes peace with your coffee, eating more healthily so you can feel good inside and out, or remembering to pause and be mindful every day. Selfcare is vital to us as parents and we want to help you #BeYourOptiMUM this Spring.  We’re going to share tonnes of tips and advice, but most of all we want you to JOIN IN!

Actually take some time for you, share what you’re doing with your friends, invite others to a bit of downtime and TELL US about it!  Share your favourite self-care moments and how they help you #BeYourOptiMUM (tag @andbreathepostnatal and the hashtag).  You deserve to #BeYourOptiMUM.

Clio Wood

Clio Wood is the founder of &Breathe Postnatal, a family wellbeing company that puts parents first. We run retreats and events in France and the UK, helping new parents get fit, eat well and feel good with little ones in tow! #BeYourOptiMUM

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