As mothers of young children, our days are filled with wiping sticky hands and trying to coax toddlers into wearing a coat, which often leaves little time for ourselves. However, prioritising self-care is not just beneficial for our own well-being but also for the well-being of our families. You can’t pour from an empty cup – if you aren’t taking proper care of yourself, you won’t have anything left to care for those around you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of self-care, the significance of cervical cancer screenings, and how you can prioritize both by joining our upcoming Self-Care Day at Denby Dale F & N School on April 19th.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is about taking intentional actions to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s the practice of making time for yourself amidst the busyness of life, acknowledging that your needs matter too. From getting enough rest to engaging in activities that bring you joy, self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your life.
Self-care might look different for everyone – it might be getting your hair or nails done, it might be going to the gym or a yoga class, even going for a walk. It really should be something for YOU though – so going to the supermarket without the kids is NOT self-care. It’s not a break. You’re still doing it for other people. Having a shower is not self-care – it is, but it’s also an essential part of your hygiene routine!
Have a think about what you enjoy, reading a book? Having a long bath with bubbles in it? Seeing your friends? Are you doing enough of this?
And then there’s thinking about your health – are you eating well? Are you active enough? There’s so much to think about between kids and work and everything else – that sometimes we forget about our own health!
My postnatal body
You might have experienced what feels like some major changes to your body since you had your babies. There’s the obvious; weight gain, stretch marks, hair loss. These are talked about fairly widely. But there’s one thing that’s responsible for a lot of it – HORMONES. There’s a whole load of hormonal changes that we go through during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as breastfeeding. Add to that stress, sleep deprivation and changes in lifestyle after your little one arrives and your body doesn’t really know which way is up when it comes to menstrual cycles and periods.
There’s huge variation in what’s “normal” when it comes to your periods returning after a baby. For some, their period returns within 6 weeks of giving birth, others might be lucky enough to get a year or two “break” from them! When they do return, you might notice alterations in cycle length, flow, and premenstrual symptoms. For some, periods may become irregular or heavier than before, while others may notice lighter or shorter cycles. It’s really important for you to be aware of these potential changes and to consult with your GP, midwife or health visitor if you have concerns about your menstrual health postpartum.
One of the things that health professionals may suggest if you are experiencing unusual bleeding patterns is a cervical smear test. This is the standard testing used for cervical cancer screening and is a short procedure that most of have experienced before. It’s nothing to worry about and it’s also super important for your overall health!
So what’s the test?
Cervical cancer screenings, commonly known as smear tests, are crucial for women’s health. It’s essential to understand that a smear test is not a test to find cancer. Instead, it is a test to detect changes to the cells of the cervix that may develop into cancer in the future. The test is also used to detect HPV – a virus that’s known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Women aged 25-64, who are registered with a GP, are invited for cervical screening. Women aged 25-49 are invited every 3 years. After that, women are invited every 5 years until the age of 64. The test collects samples of cells from the cervix for analysis.
The test itself involves a speculum being inserted into the vagina and the nurse takes a swab of the cells surrounding the cervix. Some women get anxious about going for a smear for various reasons; anxiety, birth trauma, victims of sexual or domestic violence. Other reasons women don’t attend their smear tests include not wanting to take time off work, or not having childcare available. You can take your kids to your smear test. And nurses have had trauma informed training. If you’re worried about going for your smear test, there’s loads of information on Jo’s Trust website.
What if it’s bad?
One of the main anxieties that people have about going for a smear test is “what if it’s cancer?” Right, well. The test is looking for either the presence of HPV or cell abnormalities. You will either be invited back for screening in 3 years (all-clear), 1 year (HPV) or invited for a colposcopy. Whatever happens, knowledge is power so find out more here.
Why Should I Go for Cervical Cancer Screening?
- Protect Your Health: Cervical cancer screenings, such as smears and HPV tests, are crucial for detecting abnormalities in the cervix early on. Early detection can lead to timely treatment, significantly increasing the chances of successful outcomes.
- Prioritise Prevention: While cervical cancer may not always present symptoms in its early stages, screenings can detect precancerous changes that can be addressed before they progress into cancer. By attending regular screenings, you’re taking proactive steps to prevent cervical cancer from developing.
- Set an Example for Your Children: As mothers, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s attitudes towards health and self-care. By prioritising our own health and attending screenings, we teach our children the importance of proactive healthcare practices and self-advocacy.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to monitor your health can provide peace of mind and alleviate anxiety – especially if you’re experiencing unusual menstrual symptoms. Regular screenings offer reassurance and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.
Join Us for Our Self-Care Day:
In addition to prioritising your health through self-care, we invite you to join us for a day dedicated to looking after yourself! Our Self-Care Day at Denby Dale School on 19th April will feature rejuvenating activities, including mini massage sessions, nail care, hairdressing, mindful coaching, and a light lunch. This day is designed for parents, and child-friendly activities will be available, so you can relax and focus on yourself without worrying about childcare.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and prioritise your well-being. Reserve your spot for our Self-Care Day at Denby Dale F & N School on 19th April. To book your place, visit our booking site or contact us directly at info@parentsanctuary.co.uk