It is said that when a baby is born, so is a mother. As we transition from pregnancy to postpartum, it becomes important to reflect on how we communicate with others and ensure that we prioritize expressing our own needs alongside those of the baby. Below are some tips to help ease the transition to motherhood and alleviate challenges that may arise:
Self-care
This will look different for everyone, and engaging in activities that help you feel connected to yourself can be a game changer. This could look like taking an online yoga or fitness class, going for a walk, or having some quiet time to read or spend time with friends. When we engage in self-care, we engage in self-preservation and can be better equipped to nurture ourselves and others.
Build a Support System
Support can look many different ways. It can be in the form of a friend or family member coming to take care of a baby while you rest or spend time with your partner. You could also hire a postpartum doula or new parent support provider who can come to lend a helping (and knowledgeable!) hand and offer you support and strategies to take care of yourself and baby. You could look into hiring a meal service to help with dinner preparations or you can check out this free meal train organiser where friends and family can sign up to help. Your support system could even include finding in-person or virtual opportunities to connect with other moms in your community such as Baby Cafe or Shine Through Shadows.
Seek Out a Therapist
Motherhood comes with new feelings and emotions and it can be helpful for anyone on the perinatal spectrum to have some support processing them. While it’s not always easy to seek help or find the right therapist, we have an extensive mental health team that is here to support you. You can book a free consultation to ensure you find the right match for you and your needs.
Manage Expectations
There are so many changes in every aspect of life: your identity, your body, your relationships, among other things. With all these changes, it’s normal for things to feel uncomfortable, undesirable, or overwhelming at times. There is a certain beauty and freedom associated with letting go of unrealistic expectations. It’s not going to be picture perfect, and that’s okay.
Reflect
With our history and experiences we write a story of what motherhood will be like or what kind of mother we aspire to be. What components of your childhood do you want your child to experience? What might you do differently than your parents? Find some time to think about what is important to you and how you want to grow and develop as a parent and as a person.
Practice Self-compassion
So many societal expectations can cause us to have feelings of not being enough or doing enough in motherhood. There is no manual so practice being gentle with yourself and remember that you’re learning and doing your best. Not every moment will be wonderful but striving for compassion for yourself will help you move into the next moment with more ease and joy. Continue to practice self compassion and remind yourself that you’re doing enough, and nothing is supposed to be or look a certain way.
Transitioning into motherhood is a deeply personal experience filled with moments of joy, challenges, and growth. By preparing yourself mentally, seeking support from others, and prioritizing self-care, you can more easily navigate this transition with confidence and embrace the journey of motherhood.
