Babies can take your energy at the best of times – but when you’re feeling under the weather, now is the time to find some coping mechanisms to make the next few days more bearable for both you and for baby.

1. Talk to your pharmacy or GP

Your pre-baby warrior self may have just powered through a monstrous cold, however you now have a mini human relying on you and you need all the help you can get. If you are breastfeeding, it’s also good to talk to someone before taking any medications.

2. Hydrate!

Hydration is key to helping your body to help you. Get in plenty of water and perhaps the odd hot drink too!

Tip – try to have two full pints of water before lunch time, not only have you got your hydration for the day off to a great start; front loading your hydration means less overnight trips to the bathroom.

3. Get out of the house

This may be the absolute last thing you want to do right now, but both you and your little one will feel far better for it. Wrap up warm and go for a walk! Fresh air can also help your baby sleep better too. So if you get a longer nap out of it – it’s a win!

4. Rest!

The advice of ‘sleep when your baby sleeps’ isn’t always realistic… But today it is important. Try to get yourself a little extra shut eye, or at least try to treat yourself to some more horizontal time.

This is especially hard if you have multiple children at home. Loosen your screen time standards and put on a movie (or two), while you lay down – Your body will thank you for it.

5. Lower your standards

The chores can wait, and you don’t have to be parent of the year today! Strip back to the essentials only and give yourself a break. Conserve your energy for getting better.

Get a takeaway, let the washing basket get more full than usual and take as much time to relax as possible.

In conclusion, know that you feeling this rubbish is temporary. You will feel better! You just need to prioritise yourself until you’re feeling better.

You got this!