When one becomes a mom, a lot of things will change. And, the amount of confidence that you can lose in what is arguably the most pivotal time of your life is nothing but upsetting. Clothes that you wore pre-pregnancy may not fit in any way at all, skin can change (both in terms of stretch marks appearing and general condition), your mood and temperament can be all over the place and all of this is happening while you’ve got to try and look after another human being - when all you want to do is try and look after yourself and get back to rights. It’s a tough time.
You’re not alone. Almost every other mother feels like this at some point, and those who don’t show it are hiding it well. Put a bit of time into yourself and you will be back to feeling like you in no time (not the old you, though - you’ll realize you’ve come a long way since her).
Relax, relax, relax…
Take some time out for yourself. ‘Me’ time is not a crime, and you shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for taking a break from your child. Whether it’s shutting yourself in another room for a coffee (hey, even if it’s the bathroom and you’re having to sit on a toilet it’s a break) or letting friends and family help with childcare so you can dedicate a whole day, it all counts.
Treat yourself
It doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom and frugality when you’re a parent. Treating yourself could be something as small as having a slice of cake when you visit a coffee shop, or focusing on your appearance. A smile can tell a thousand stories, and your confidence will radiate through it, so forget about the cost of tooth implants if it’s what you need to get you feeling confident again; disregard how much beauty products are setting you back if it will make you feel a little more human; nice clothes can always make you feel better about yourself, so it may be worth spending a little extra if you can afford it to perk you up.
Look after yourself
Remember to always put yourself first - you don’t have somebody to stand in on your off-days like you would if you called into work sick. It’s natural to want to do the best for your children, but at the same time it’s hard to forget that you are their best; treat yourself as such. Eat healthily, keep yourself hydrated and try and pinch as much sleep as you can to keep up with them. Talk to friends and family and familiarize yourself with contact numbers if you need to speak to somebody independently if it all feels like it’s getting a little too much. Do not be ashamed to ask for help and most importantly don’t compare yourself to others; not everything is all that it seems on social media and there can be a whole other story behind closed doors. You do you, and you’ll do just fine.
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