We can look at women all around us and think they are confident competent women. But what’s going on behind the smile… becoming a mother can often knock our confidence. We go from working in a job which we know to becoming a mother for the first time or even a mother to two or three and suddenly not really knowing what we are doing.
Finding people to help you navigate this journey is key. Recently GBSN has been awarded money from the lottery to help rebuild mothers confidence after the lockdowns due of Covid 19, (thank you Elizabeth for your amazing grant writing skills, we know this is no easy task). We completely understand that becoming a mother at this time has been difficult. We rely heavily on our family and peers to help us in motherhood, and through the last 18 months we have had big chunks of time where this was not possible.
At GBSN we like to help mothers find their feet and become the mothers they are hoping to be. It’s not all about breastfeeding; everyone involved in the groups, whether it is a breastfeeding counsellor, peer supporter or another mum, has experience and hopefully some helpful tips to encourage you to find your confidence in motherhood.
Obviously we can’t always make it along to groups so here are some pointers to help you find your way:
- To start with the most important thing is to look after yourself, feeling over tired and overwhelmed is not a great place.
- Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. If you can’t sleep at least use this time to rest, sometimes just sitting quietly can be just as helpful.
- Eat well, good nutrition is a great way to make ourselves feel good. (Obviously you have to keep the chocolate at hand for the extra boast!).
- This might seem a bit obvious, but shower daily and get out of your pj’s. Our self care can drop down the list and by doing something as simple as getting showered and dressed in those early days can make a big difference.
- Set realistic expectations; we can scroll on social media and see others doing what seems so much more than us but remember they are only showing us the good bits; how often do influencers or even friends share the tough days…?
We are human and can not be the best at everything so always remember this. By having realistic expectations you will enjoy more of your day and take the good from the small things.
Pregnancy and motherhood change our bodies and outlook: don’t stress about what you think you have lost by motherhood, embrace the changes.
Don’t self blame, we are always learning no matter how old your baby or child is or how many years you have been a parent. Each year and each child is new to you. We may make mistakes and this is ok.
Just make the changes that will help you become the women and mother you are wanting to be. Take a break from social media if you need to, if you feel that’s too extreme just go to screen management in your phone and you can set a time limit to your social media apps. This may help you prioritise a rest or maybe even some exercise. Get the endorphins flowing.
Just remember we are forever changing and finding our new selves.
Thank you to the National Lottery for the grant. This will help GBSN run our in-house groups for October and November and in hand help local mums.
