Along with the birth of your little one comes your new image of yourself that can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. After childbirth, not only do women have to accept their new bodies, but they are also faced with their new roles as mothers, which can result in many women losing their sense of self.
However, by embracing the change, working on yourself and finding a way to reconcile who you once were with who you are now, you’ll be able to boost your self-esteem and enjoy the wonders of motherhood.
Give yourself time
The postpartum period can be quite difficult and challenging for some women, especially for those who’ve had a difficult labor or are suffering from postpartum depression. Exhausted by childbirth, both physically and mentally, feeling a bit out of place and not like yourself in completely normal. This initial period of recovery after childbirth is the time when you should regain your energy, heal and adjust to your new life.
You should be patient and gentle with yourself, especially when it comes to your new body image. Your body has gone through some tremendous changes, so it needs time to recover. Therefore, it’s important that you take as much time as you need to heal before taking some measures to gain your former body shape. You should also avoid comparing yourself to other women who might need less time to get back their old body. Every woman is different, so be mindful of your personal characteristics.
Make a gradual transition
How long it will take you to go back to your routine and everyday activities will greatly depend on your postpartum condition. If you’ve had a difficult labor or you’re recovering from a C-section, it might take you more time to regain your energy. In such a case, you should consult with your doctor and seek their advice regarding some postpartum exercises you can do.
Typically, new mums should start slowly with gentle activities, such as walking, practicing yoga or doing Kegels. Avoid doing sit-ups because your abs will be sensitive after childbirth. Instead, you can gently massage them and press them to help them regain their strength. Not only will regular, but gentle physical activity helps you get your old body back, but it will also help you reduce stress and anxiety that motherhood brings.
Consider having a makeover
Some women have more difficulties dealing with excess body fat or sagging breasts, which eventually has a negative impact on their self-esteem. While you should learn to embrace your new body, it doesn’t mean you should completely give up because you’re a mother now. You need to take care of yourself because it will ensure your and your baby’s health.
Thus, if you feel really unhappy with the way you look, you should consider what you can do to change that. From a new haircut and stylish clothes to a professional mummy makeover, there are plenty of possible solutions that can help you restore your positive body image. Remember, by nurturing yourself and making yourself feel happy, you will be able to take care of your family and ensure their well-being.
Be aware of the possible challenges
During the postpartum period, some mothers may experience certain problems, such as hair loss, hormone imbalance or diastasis recti, the muscle separation of your abs. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for these challenges and accept them more calmly. In addition, if you know what problems may arise, you can take certain preventive measures in advance.
For example, some women may be susceptible to dental problems, such as gingivitis or gum infection, due to their hormone imbalance. As a preventive measure, they can increase their calcium intake and have regular check-ups with their dentists. By being aware of possible issues, you can find different ways to prevent them, ensuring your health and satisfaction with yourself.
The challenges of motherhood can be extremely overwhelming for a new mum. However, if you take care of and feel satisfied with yourself, you’ll be able to overcome the obstacles and discover the wonders that motherhood brings.