Rediscovering Yourself After Childbirth

postpartum Nov 01, 2024

Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, but it's not uncommon to feel like you've lost touch with yourself in the process. Many new moms struggle with feeling foreign in their bodies and minds. If you're nodding along, know that you're not alone. Let's explore why this happens and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

After giving birth, your body undergoes significant changes:

Hormonal Shifts: There's a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and the "baby blues."
Physical Changes: Your body has stretched and changed to accommodate your growing baby, and it takes time to adjust post-birth.

These changes are normal but can leave you feeling disconnected from your pre-baby self.

How to feel like yourself again postpartum

1. Build a Routine
Creating a daily rhythm can help you regain a sense of normalcy. It doesn't have to be rigid, but having a general structure to your day can be comforting.

2. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary. Consider:

Taking a relaxing shower
Getting a pedicure or haircut
Enjoying your morning coffee in peace

Remember, "Taking care of myself doesn't mean 'me first,' it means 'me too.'"

3. Dress for Comfort and Confidence
Wearing clothes that fit your current body and make you feel good can boost your mood. Consider investing in a few new pieces that flatter your postpartum figure.

4. Nourish Your Body
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins and focus on eating nutritious meals. Proper nutrition supports your physical recovery and can help stabilize your mood.

5. Get Moving
When you feel ready and have your doctor's approval, incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. Even a short daily walk can boost your mood and energy levels.

6. Connect with Others
Maintain relationships outside of your role as a mother. This could mean:

Regular date nights with your partner
Coffee dates with friends
Joining a mommy group

7. Set Boundaries
It's okay to communicate your needs to family and friends. Remember, your needs are just as important as everyone else's in your family.

Feeling like yourself again after having a baby is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can start to bridge the gap between your pre-baby self and your new identity as a mother.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. You've done something amazing by bringing new life into the world. Now, it's time to rediscover and nurture yourself too.

If you want to feel your best mentally & physically after the baby, The Postpartum Shift is for you!

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Hey mama,

I'm Brooke Miller,

Before becoming a mom, I chronically dieted & thought "eat less, move more" was the healthiest option. I dealt with exhaustion, mood swings, hormone imbalances (not getting a regular cycle), high cholesterol and weight cycling. I felt like something was wrong with me.

Before I got pregnant with my first son, I discovered the balanced nutrition approach I teach inside The Postpartum Shift. Once I implemented the framework, I was energized, gained strength, got my period back, lowered my cholesterol & maintained my healthiest weight. I continued this during my pregnancies & postpartum periods and recovered quickly after birth, made more than enough milk for my babies, had energy (even with the sleep deprivation) & stable mood. Postpartum was really enjoyable.

With a decade of experience as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor, I created The Postpartum Shift to help moms boost energy, mood, metabolism & milk supply to have a stress-free & enjoyable postpartum experience.

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