I wanted to ask how you’re feeling? In January when it’s super chilly outside, feeling motivated to get out can be tricky, doing something for yourself even!

If your little one is keeping you busy, it can be all consuming and this is when I’d encourage you to think about carving out some me time. It might feel too soon, it might feel impossible if you’re breastfeeding, or you might have already made plans. Any version is fine – having time for yourself can be daunting, exciting, unusual, but can offer your partner some special quality time with their new baby, an opportunity to build attachment with their little bundle without you there.   January is a time to hibernate and hunker down, so some me time might look like a bath, a book, a chick flick or a home workout.

I love to hear what our groups share when we ask this in baby massage. We’ve had movies, running, dancing, open water swims, wine with friends, nail salon, reading, crochet, rugby training, weight lifting, long walks, and of course sleep – what would you do if you had an hour to yourself?

It may take some planning, some careful thought or an open conversation with your partner about how you’re feeling.

When my baby was small, I started blogging ‘babies and baking’ which I found therapeutic – baking is a task that can be completed in a short space of time, with a (hopefully) pleasant outcome. I found it helpful to jot down a few notes of what my baby was up to, alongside a recipe.

Here is a recipe to Pumpkin Pickle Apricot Flapjack