I loved being the centre of attention when I was pregnant. Everybody was always happy to see me, and they gave me all sorts of advice, and helped me stay on track with my exercise programme so that I’d stay strong and healthy for my easy childbirth.

So everything was going along handsomely when my baby arrived. A few more days in the hospital and we were free! I finally got back to the house where all my stuff is, so I could be more self-reliant. People started to drop by with little knitted things and adorable tiny clothes, but something strange was happening…

People came in, said “Hi”, and started to fawn over the baby, forgetting about me. “Hey, yoo‑hoo!  I’m over here! You know the one that just made a brand new human with my own body.” It didn’t help. I was assumed to be “all right” now that he was here.  I was as ordinary as furniture again.

Is the above scenario familiar to you? Did it happen to you or to someone you knew after giving birth to a new baby? Here are 7 ways to pamper yourself after a new baby and be inspired to live again:

If your friends and family aren’t going to treat you as special, you’re going to have to take care of that yourself. You can love your baby all you want. Pushing him around in the stroller and watching people fuss is sort of rewarding, but if your friend’s solicitude is waning, dump the little darling on daddy for a while, go fill the bath with bubbles, get your MP3 player and ear-buds, along with 20 candles, and just go soak and relax for a while.

If daddy is sitting there reading the paper, next to the playpen, inform him that you’re going to grab a nap.

Invite an adult over for coffee so you can talk in your normal voice about normal topics. It resets your perspective. Talking to your friends, whether about the baby or about real life can ground you.

Drop Junior off with your mother (in-law) and go get a manicure. Take time for a professional massage, or a pedicure. Go get your hair done. You have to be determined to do something just for yourself.

Go out for a meal in a nice restaurant. Take in a movie. Grab a book and lose yourself for a while.

Get back into your exercise routine and drink lots of water so you don’t cramp up.

Do you have a garden? How about obtaining a portable bed, with a sunshade and a bug screen for your baby? Your bundle of joy can get some fresh air while you play with your tomatoes and beans to reconnect with nature.

From having all the attention on you, and then to have the spotlight unceremoniously swung around to the baby, can leave you feeling a little empty. You’ll be just fine. After all, you just made a brand new human, and that’s important.