Sensitive Midwifery - Issue 44 - October 2019

Finding balance in the demanding joint venture of being a midwife and a partner, mother, friend is challenging; we asked writer Marjorie Arnold, who has a special interest in this topic to share her self-care thoughts. Self-Care 101 T o start o ff , we need to understand what self-care is, what it entails and how to practise it. Self-care may be the new buzzword and hashtag to every expensive purchase, spa day or a weekend getaway, making us feel like it’s a self-indulgent act, a guilty pleasure – but the fact is that self-care is actually not a luxury; it is a non- negotiable part of living a healthy life. Self-care, at its core, is self-compassion, the decision to prioritise yourself. Simply put, self- care is the deliberate act of doing small things that restore your own body, mind and spirit. Self-care is not selfish Self-care is not a selfish act but rather a necessity to ensure our own wellness. If we do not take care of ourselves, we cannot keep on giving without running the risk of su ff ering from burnout. Self-care should also not seem like another daunting task to add to your list as you frantically try to perform at a high level and meet the expectations of your team, employer, friends and family … and yourself. You may be thinking, ‘But where do I fit self-care into my already over-extended daily life?’ Of course, between work and personal life, it is sometimes hard to get enough sleep, get the bills paid on time and eat properly. You can start by taking a deep breath, and having compassion for yourself. Self-compassion is the centre of self-care Having compassion for yourself is not only an essential part of practising self-care; it is also fundamental to being an e ff ective healthcare provider. Dimensions Continued on page 35 34 eSensitive Midwifery Magazine Issue 44