What if postpartum is not about bouncing back?
I remember shortly after having my first baby, thinking that the goal is to “bounce back” or be as close to my old self as possible.
Sometimes we call this “getting your pink back” or “feeling like yourself again” but we often forget the biggest part of this change is learning and loving the new you.
First time around, I was running on empty, insecure, fixated on appearance. Second time around, I am well nourished, confident, and focused on what really matters
So what changed? A lot actually. There is so much I wish I knew as a first time mom, so here are a few things that helped me that I hope will encourage you in your journey!
First: meet your basic needs! This may seem obvious, but keep taking your vitamins, drink water, and especially in the early weeks remember to shower, get outside, and do things that help you feel taken care of.
And we all hear “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but parenthood is so much more than that. It’s about filling your cup however makes sense to you, so you can be your best self and pour into your family.
Next, get to know your new body. Even if size isn’t an issue, clothes just fit different after baby, and that’s ok! It’s all about understanding what styles fit, make you feel comfortable, and how you can use clothes to express yourself in new ways! Take time for yourself to explore how to dress your new body and what styles work for you!
Lean on your village. Whether it’s your partner, family, whoever, having a village is such a privilege and when you free yourself of the stigma of asking for help, so many doors can open up!
Learn to speak highly of yourself! Find nice things to say. Even if you do not have time to journal or read with little ones, and even if it feels silly, take quick moments to reflect and remind yourself of your worth.
Trust that a lot of this season is temporary. The phases, routines, body changes, they all have their time. Your hair will grow back, you’ll sleep again, and one day you’ll wake up and realize you are a super cool mom!
Personally, I am not trying to bounce back. I am falling in love with the new me. So if you’re still waiting to feel confident again, just know: you are a great mom, you are beautiful, and you are worthy of whatever you need to feel your best this season.
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
xx,
A