Navigating life during the weeks and months after having a baby can be challenging. There is a brand new, little stranger living in your house, and he/she relies on you for just about EVERYTHING. Not to mention, you are sleep deprived, and you're trying to adjust to your new role - I remember there were many days that I couldn't tell which way was up, and which was down. I promise, those days WILL pass (although it may not feel like it if you're in the midst of it...) - I am living proof! But sometimes, we just need a little extra help to get us through.
Using positive affirmations was one tool I used to help me get through some of my anxieties those first few months after having my daughter.
Here are just a few of my favorites:
I am more than just a mom.
Yes, you are a mom, but you aren't just a mom. It's easy to get lost in the identity of being a mom - when my daughter was just a few weeks old, I craved my "old life," my "old identity." Then I realized, I just had to remember who I was before I became "mama." Once I brought a little of her back, I started feeling like myself again.
I deserve time for myself.
That feels selfish, right? That's exactly how I used to feel - I mean, who could want to spend time alone when they have this beautiful baby at home who needs them so much?! I'm here to tell you, it is SO important to take time for yourself, even if it's for five minutes. I know it's difficult in those early days, but remember to acknowledge that the chores can wait!
I used to run myself ragged while my daughter was napping by cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes and laundry - this wasn't healthy for anyone. It made me cranky, exhausted, and even resentful.
I will let this go.
I'm a bit of a "clean freak," so before having a baby, I kept my house neat and tidy at all times. After we came home from the hospital, I thought I could keep the house in that same, pristine condition 100% of the time. Turns out, I was wrong. Some things were important and needed to be done, but other things could wait. I had to learn to let those (it could wait) things go.
My feelings ARE valid.
This was a hard one for me to grasp at first. I felt like I was a "hot mess" after having a baby - I was exhausted, my hormones were all over the place, I cried over the silliest things. I didn't feel like myself. Give yourself some grace and allow yourself to feel all those feelings - they are all valid.
I cannot spoil my newborn.
I can't stress this one enough. I absolutely cannot stand when I hear people say, "you are spoiling him/her." If you want to hold your baby for every nap, DO IT (make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines of course). If you want to pick him/her up when he/she cries, DO IT. Newborns want to be cuddled, changed, and fed, and you cannot spoil them! Do not ever feel guilty for soaking in those precious newborn cuddles - something I wish I had done more of. And do NOT listen to anyone else who tries to tell you otherwise.
I will honor my body.
As someone with a history of disordered eating, this was challenging for me. I didn't like my new body during postpartum and it was hard to accept it.
Many women struggle with their bodies after giving birth, and social media doesn't help. Women are rushing to get their bodies back after giving birth, but don’t forget that your body created and carried your sweet little child into this world. Your body is amazing! It's strong, powerful, and the creator of little miracles. Your body is enough as it is, and quite honestly, it will never be the same again. Once you accept that, you will start to love and accept your body again.
If you're a new mom, or you've been one for awhile now, and you're struggling with any (or all) of these things, I want to help. I offer a 6-week Program to help moms start feeling like themselves again. Let's be real, motherhood is difficult enough, so when you add any additional stresses on top of it, it can seem close to impossible. I remember, I've been there, and now I'm on the other side, and I want to help you get there too. After the program, you will feel more mindful, less anxious and you will have some tools in your back pocket (even if you're in sweats) for those moments when motherhood feels so daunting. On top of that, you will leave with some healthy, simple recipes to help you balance your ever-changing hormones and a list of some of my favorite hormone balancing foods. Click here for more info., or if you want to skip the B.S. and get straight to it, sign up here!
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