How to Boost Your Confidence as a New Mum

Having a baby is an incredible process, and is an amazing testament to your body’s strength. And yet, many new mothers don’t feel at the top of their game after giving birth, not only taking on the stress of a new-born and a lack of sleep, but also physically recovering from a process which has taken nine months of their life through intense changes. It is no surprise that many mothers feel overwhelmed, and some feel insecure about their appearance. But you should be proud of yourself for the miracle you’ve performed – and the following are some helpful tips to make you feel as good as you should.

Build a Support System with Other New Mums

A great thing about your experience is that you are not alone; so many other mothers feel the exact same, and it is a fantastic idea to reach out to one another. Checking in with each other forms a great space for open communication and promotes empathy to improve your emotional wellbeing. Your family and partner are also obvious sources for comfort and help with childcare, but there is something very calming and pleasant about talking to people who are going through the same thing. Join a mum’s group either for in-person meetings or online for a source of helpful information and a place to vent.

Implement Self-Care Practices

For many women, it is natural that pregnancy and labour will have taken a toll on their bodies, and without time and energy, they can feel like they have failed to ‘bounce back’ as quickly as they had hoped. But you should not feel any external pressure to do so, and give yourself as much time to recover at your own pace. But if you want some quick methods to feel fresh and like you have made an effort, try some self-care. A facemask, relaxing in a bath with candles, some meditation or time spent with a book – these are all great ways to make you feel good about yourself and keep you calm and grounded. It’s important to take time for yourself and not to feel guilty about it – you deserve it!

Try Gentle Forms of Exercise

The best way to regain confidence is to feel healthier. Obviously, many women don’t feel up to running a marathon as a new mum, but small forms of light exercise like yoga, Zumba and long walks can do wonders for your health and fitness, and make you feel like you are on the right track for feeling like yourself again.

Treat Yourself

One of the best ways to give yourself a much-needed boost of confidence is to really indulge yourself. Confidence comes from within, but doing something just for you acknowledges and recognises your inner worth and self-regard. This can come in many forms, including a tasty lunch out or a trip to the salon. Book yourself an appointment at the spa, for a massage, facial, or skin tightening treatment, for example. Many women find a makeover to their smile gives a long-lasting surge of positivity when thinking about their appearance. If you do want to treat your smile, you could pay a visit to a clinic such as Love Teeth Dental which offers whitening services amid many others, which can really transform a smile and skyrocket your self-image. Putting on makeup and doing your hair are great ways to feel feminine and put-together, but are very short term, whereas your smile is a beauty you carry with you everywhere.

Keep Up What You Love Doing

Too many mothers get swept up in their roles and drop everything else they enjoyed before becoming a mother. While this may feel necessary in the beginning, too many decide to quit long term, leaving them in the past and focusing on their children. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to devote your time to being a mother, it is so important not to forget what you enjoyed and who you were as a person. Being a mother is an aspect of your personhood, and an incredible role you take on, but it does not become your entire being. So, get back into tennis, or painting, or whatever hobbies interested you. You can even still branch out into new activities, taking an opportunity to cultivate your leisure time.

Invest in a New Wardrobe

So many mothers find wearing old clothes disheartening, but trying out some new, flattering pieces can transform your body image. Maternity clothes can be put away, and even purchasing a couple of pieces can make your wardrobe seem much less dull. Try a re-vamp of your style, and become more excited to show yourself off to your peers!

These are just a few helpful tips for taking back control of your self-image and build confidence in a time of chaos and change – and if you begin to love yourself as much as you love your baby, then we know you will lead a happier and more confident life.