7 Essential Steps to Rediscovering Yourself After Baby
The Journey of Self-Discovery After Baby Arrives
Motherhood. Such a profound transformation, right? We see that adorable face, those curious eyes, and our world shifts, grounding itself around this new bundle of joy. While embarking on this extraordinary journey, we tend to lose a part of ourselves. Amidst the nighttime feedings, the baby lullabies, and the ever-so-adorable baby giggles, it's entirely normal to feel a sense of longing for our "pre-mom" selves.
Let's embark on a quest of self-discovery postpartum. Dive into the profound process of finding yourself after childbirth and embrace the new version of yourself.
1. Understanding the Emotional Landscape
Did You Know? A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that a woman's identity experiences significant shifts during the first three years postpartum. The emotional journey of new mothers can be a rollercoaster, as they navigate a spectrum of feelings from boundless love and joy to potential feelings of confinement or loss of self.
Tip: Subscribe to online platforms like Calm or Headspace to provide some guided introspection. They can be instrumental in helping you navigate and understand your emotional shifts.
2. Motherhood and Personal Identity: Embracing the Change
We often hear the phrase, "I want to go back to who I was before the baby." But what if we flip the narrative? Motherhood reshapes your personal identity, but it doesn't obliterate it. You're evolving.
Reading Suggestion: "The Birth of a Mother" dives deep into this transformational phase, helping you grasp the magnitude and beauty of this change.
3. Routine and Self-Care: More Than Just Buzzwor
Self-care post-baby is crucial, not just for sanity's sake but for identity. As you integrate motherhood into your identity, remember to retain activities that resonate with your core self.
Self-Care: Consider a monthly subscription with Birchbox. They have a number of different options and you can continue to care for yourself in new ways to keep you connected and growing.
4. Rediscovering Passions: Dive into Old and New Hobbies
Whether it's painting, reading, or even hiking, it's essential to engage in activities you loved before your baby came along. It's also a great time to explore new hobbies, integrating them into your evolving identity.
Fun Idea: Why not explore crafting? Websites like Craftsy offer a plethora of classes, ranging from knitting to baking, allowing you to dive into a world of creativity.
5. Seek Support and Share Experiences
We often underestimate the power of community. Surround yourself with fellow moms and share your journey. It’s therapeutic and offers a sense of belonging.
Community Tip: Platforms like Meetup host groups specifically for new moms. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals and share your experiences.
6. Acceptance: The Key to Self-Discovery
"Being close to someone means being okay with all the fun, weird stuff you both do." – Alain de Botton
Replace 'someone' with 'yourself' in the above quote, and it paints a vivid picture of the journey of self-acceptance. Be patient with yourself. Embrace every emotion, every change, and remember - this too is a phase, and it holds a beauty of its own.
Tip for Reflection: Consider investing in a guided journal specifically curated for postpartum self-reflection. It can provide direction to your thoughts, helping you rediscover and embrace your evolving self. This is also an awesome time to work with a coach to help you understand the changes that have happened in you and figure out what you want out of life and who you want to be as a woman, partner, mom and more.
7. Enjoy Seeing Part of Yourself in Your Child
One of the coolest things is when you start to see parts of yourself reflected in your child. Whether it's your physical attributes like freckles or hair color, or it's parts of your personality. As we are on the journey of seeing parts of ourselves evolve, seeing some of our deepest values and traits come out in our children is a really cool experience. This can be a reminder of who you are and what you've passed along to your child. Embrace these!
Rediscovering oneself after the transformative phase of motherhood can indeed feel daunting. Still, with conscious effort, a sprinkle of self-love, and a dash of patience, you'll find the woman you were and the mother you've become. Embrace the journey, for it's the path that often holds more wonder than the destination. Let me help you explore this season with grace, intention, and mindfulness.