Reclaiming Your Identity: Navigating Motherhood and Self-Growth

Reclaiming Your Identity: Navigating Motherhood and
Self-Growth

Becoming a parent is a journey that can bring all sorts of changes. From physical
developments that can come with pregnancy, to the emotional shifts, there can be a lot to
get used to. The first year of motherhood can be a rollercoaster but it’s the greatest ride.
Reconnecting with Yourself
The process of rediscovering your individuality after becoming a parent can be challenging,
but it’s also rewarding. Here are some ways to navigate this journey:

- Understanding your evolved identity: Motherhood does not erase who you were
before; it adds new layers to your identity. Use the wisdom gained from your
pregnancy journey to better understand who you are.
- Processing an IVF journey: If you conceived through in vitro fertilisation, give yourself
time as you recover both emotionally and physically. Some people find that the
stress of fertility treatments and heightened expectations can affect their well-being.
Seeking support in these days can help you along the way.
- Make time for hobbies: It’s easy to become engrossed by the responsibilities of
being a mother. Don’t forget to make time for yourself by enjoying hobbies that you
used to before becoming a parent. Finding new hobbies and interests can be an
exciting journey as well.
- C-section recovery: If you had a caesarean birth, allow yourself grace during
the healing process. Physical recovery can take time, and emotional
adjustments are just as important. Prioritize rest, follow your doctor’s
recommendations, and ask for help when needed.
- Set personal goals: Making goals for yourself can be used as a time for self-reflection
and discovering yourself again.
Embracing Postpartum Body Changes
Many women look at their postpartum body changes, and they feel unhappy – but it doesn’t
have to be this way. It’s sometimes easier said than done, but try and change your
perspective and appreciate the amazing work that your body has done.
- Practice self-love: Remember that it can take your body time to recover, and that’s
okay. Focus on loving yourself and appreciating who you are. There are many ways

of practising self-love which can make you feel warm inside. This includes taking a
long shower, doing a cucumber face mask, and repeating positive mantras to
yourself.
- Do gentle exercises: As well as appreciating your body, doing gentle exercises is also
important to ensure you stay active. Walking/ jogging with your baby is the perfect
way to help them fall asleep as well as getting in some exercise. Doing yoga at home
is also a great way to stay healthy and can feel super relaxing.
- Wear clothes that make you feel confident: Dressing in a way that makes you feel
good can help you show yourself some love. Your style may change after giving birth,
and that’s completely okay. As long as you feel great, that’s all that matters.
- Breast feeding: There are many changes postpartum and adjusting to new routines is
one of them. Whether you are breast or bottle feeding, having amazing equipment
can help make all the difference.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships
It can be overwhelming to balance relationships whilst caring for a newborn baby. Luckily,
there are ways to maintain the relationships in your life.
- Plan quality time with your partner: After giving birth, you and your partner will
quickly find yourselves becoming busy. It’s important that whilst caring for your
child, you also make time for each other. Planning a date night or sitting down and
enjoying a takeaway on the sofa together can feel comforting.
- Communicate and set boundaries: As a new mother, looking after your baby is going
to be one of your top priorities. It’s natural that you may spend less time meeting up
with friends for a short while as you get whisked up in motherhood. To prevent
misunderstandings, make sure you set boundaries and communicate with others.
For example, if someone asks if you’re free to meet but you’ve got baby priorities,
gently let them know that you’re caring for the baby and will meet another time.
- Ask for help: It’s okay to ask for help! Being a mother doesn’t have to be a journey
that you take on your own. Leaning on others for support is alright, and gaining
reassurance can be super helpful.
- Meet new mothers: As well as maintaining current relationships, it’s fun to meet
new people. You can meet new mothers virtually by joining Facebook groups; there
are many out there. Joining local groups are useful as there may be opportunities to
meet in person. You could attend a baby group and meet new friends there too.
Meeting other parents going through similar experiences can be helpful as you can
learn from them and they can learn from you. There are many opportunities, you
just have to find them!

Here is a list of parent & baby groups local to Bambinos and Beyond:

• Shorties Baby Group – For babies up to 12 months old
  - Moo Music - Fun, interactive music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers
  - The Sensory Storyteller - Shares favourite nursery rhymes and classic children’s
  stories using a multi sensory

Conclusion

Your postpartum journey is personal to you! It’s about caring for your newborn, but also
about rediscovering who you are. Remember that as a new mother, you are doing
incredible.