By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Having a baby certainly is a life-changing experience, and during those first few years it feels like you will never have any time to yourself. It is very important, however, for mothers to create a schedule that includes some ‘me’ time- moments when you can relax, unwind, and take a deep breath. Having time daily for you to de-stress and take care of yourself will ultimately help you be a better mother. Here are a 4 ways for mums to create some ‘me’ time:
1. Utilize Your Resources
If you are living with your partner or spouse, it is vital you use all hands in the house. Schedule a few moments when you can be alone and allow the other partner to take over for a while. It is a great time for dads to have quality time with the kids too. If you are a single mum, network with other single women to share babysitting duties so that each of you get some personal time. Also, if you are joining a gym, club, or recreation center; choose one that also offers daycare for a built in safety net. Don’t forget about grandparents, aunts, and uncles too- they’d probably love to spend some time with your little ones.
2. Pick Your Priorities
As time is limited, it important to take a moment to figure out what is a top priority for your ‘me’ time. If its taking a bath and reading a book, getting some time to surf the web, having a cup of tea, getting some exercise, or spending quality time with your partner- treat that moment with same regimented attitude as you would with meeting your baby’s needs. It has to happen, so therefore, there has to be time for it.
3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Yes, everyone likes a tidy house and to try to keep up on laundry duty before the dirty clothes pile turns into an insurmountable mountain. But, it’s also important to keep in mind that there will always be a dish to be cleaned and clothes to be washed and if you have a few quiet moments during the day like while your baby is napping don’t worry about the housework- it can always wait until later. 
4. Let Go of the Guilt
It can feel like being between a rock and a hard place: you know you need to de-stress yet you feel guilty about taking time for yourself. It is vital to be aware of the signs of mommy burnout. After some quality time alone you will notice how much better you feel and your kids will too. Proper scheduling can also help lessen the guilt, like scheduling a girls’ night out after the kids have gone to bed or lunch dates during nap time. In addition, if you know you will be going out that night, have a fun outing with your child like going to the park.
译文:
婴儿成长——为妈妈创造“我”时间的四种方法
作者 Collen Hurley,注册营养师,儿童营养专家
抚育一个宝宝确实是个改变人生活的经历，在最初的几年里你会感到似乎已完全没有属于自己的时间了。但是，对母亲们而言，创造一个包含“我”时间（你可以放松、休息和深呼吸的时刻）的作息表是十分重要的。每天都留时间来放松和照顾你自己将会最终帮助你成为一个更好的母亲。以下是四种帮妈妈们创造一些“我”时间的方法：
1.利用你的资源。如果你和伴侣或配偶住在一起，利用家里的所有帮手就十分重要。安排出一些时间让你能独处并让你的伴侣接管一下。对爸爸们来说，和孩子在一起的珍贵时光也是愉快的时光。如果你是个单身妈妈，联合其他的单身女性来分担看护宝宝的职责，这样你们就都能得到各自的私人时间了。另外，如果你加入了健身房，俱乐部或康乐中心，就选择一个给锻炼者提供日托服务的，日托要在安全网内。也不要忘了祖父母，姨妈和叔叔们，他们或许很乐于和你的小家伙共渡时光。
2.选出优先事项。由于时间是有限的，花一点时间找出你的“我”时间中的最优项就很重要。如果它是泡澡，上网浏览，品杯茶，做些锻炼或是和你的伴侣相处，那么你都要象满足宝宝需求一样用严格态度对待。既然这些事总要做，那就留出时间去做。
3.不要为琐事操心。是的，每个人都喜欢整洁的房子，也想要在脏衣服堆成消不了的山之前维持洗衣周期。但是，重要的是你也要记住总有洗不完的盘子和衣服，而如果一天中有些安静的时间，比如当你宝宝小睡的时候，你就不要为家务担心，等以后做也没关系。
4. 消除罪恶感。就象夹在岩石和硬地之间一样：你明知你要减压，但又为有自己的时间有负罪感。意识到母亲透支症的征兆至关重要。在独享一段时光后你会发现你感觉有多好，而你的孩子也一样。合理安排时间也可以帮助你减少罪恶感，例如在孩子上床睡觉后安排和女友夜游或在午睡时间安排一个午餐约会。另外，如果你知道你那晚要出去，白天你就和孩子好好出去玩，比如去公园。