Having a baby is magical, beautiful, and a life-changing experience that comes with a lot of changes and new emotions for both parents. Having a child is the best thing that can ever happen to a woman, and at the same time, it could be the most deteriorating for her mentally.
People tend to put the majority of the focus on the new baby when a woman gives birth. It makes perfect sense to welcome a baby with open arms since this adorable little creature is the newest guest in our world. But what about momma? She has also become a new version of herself, yet most do not realize this and put her needs and wants aside.
Having a baby comes with a lot of responsibility, sleepless nights, stress, and overwhelming feelings. Although everything seems the same in the outer world, our inner world feels different. Many moms become gradually disconnected from society, start feeling lonely, have very little support from family & friends, and have no time for themselves!
So when your new baby turns your world upside down, how do you get back in touch with yourself again? How do you regain your confidence?
If you are one of the lucky mamas whose confidence was not affected after having a child, then seriously, lucky you!! But if on the contrary, you are a mom who feels like you completely lost yourself being the good mother that you are, then you are in the right place and these tips are for you! So read below and take notes.
Physical Appearance
Let us begin by talking about our physical appearance. It is no secret that after having a baby, our glamorous lifestyle goes out the window. At least for some time, especially in the beginning, it is a bit inevitable. So what can you do if you find yourself unmotivated to get dressed up, wearing the same sweatshirt every day from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep? Well, get yourself out of that hole mentally and start taking care of yourself!
Wake up and decide today is going to be a great day! Get dressed and go for a run, head to the gym or your favorite pilates class. It is imperative for moms to be as healthy and cared for as their babies. So eat healthily and take care of your body. Positive self-talk is important; Be good to yourself and your new body! Do not compare yourself to anyone else and stop caring about what others might think of your current situation, body, or look. Anything you do, do it for yourself and your baby, not for anybody else!
Out With The Old, In With The New
It is normal to miss your old life after having a baby. I mean, let’s face it, there is nothing like having the freedom to do as you choose without the need to consider someone else’s needs first. But once you have chosen to bring a child into this world, there is not much else you can do except deal with the reality of the present moment.
Accept that it is OK and completely normal to miss your old life. But tell yourself that your old likings and doings can be incorporated into your new life. So go out and meet with old friends, do not isolate yourself. It is vital for your mental health. Start doing the things you used to love doing before. You might find yourself not even like them as much as you used to anymore, but unless you try them again, you will never know!
Fun Activities
Why do we need to stop having fun once we have a baby? It is just not fair! In the beginning, it might seem a little complicated to do this, but as soon as you get a chance, go for it!
Dress up for fun, put your favorite dress or jeans on, and check out yourself in the mirror. Be nice to your new self! Call a friend, or tell your partner you want to go out and have a little fun. Go on trips or simply take some time for yourself and go out alone. What is fun for one person might be different for another, and only you know this. Decide what you consider fun to be and go for it! Buy yourself new clothes, shoes, whatever! Just get out of the house!
Do What You Enjoy
Many women decide that work is no longer important to them and that taking care of the baby full time is what feels right. If this is what you prefer, that is fine! But if you find yourself missing being at work, having conversations with coworkers or clients, then going back to work might be the best thing for you! Not every mom is meant to be a stay-at-home mom. Staying home for too long takes a mental toll on a lot of women. What truly matters is your mental health, so you can be all there for your baby when she needs you. A disconnected mother raises a disconnected baby.
If you used to enjoy taking classes, then go back. Start a new cooking class, treat yourself to a day at the spa. Take good care of not only your baby but of yourself as well. Self-care is essential & so is your mental health!
Accept What Is, Let Go of What Was
The best way to move on with life is to accept what is and leave your past behind. Let go of any attachments you may have to your past self and realize that the present moment is what you have. This is where we manifest change. If you keep looking back, everything will always stay the same. You will keep missing the old you without seeing the amazing, unique possibilities that lay in front of you.
Reframe your perspective. Be nice to yourself and your baby. Love yourself for being the powerful wonder woman that you are! You birthed a child & that is your SUPERPOWER!
