Here’s What New Mothers Can Do To Build Confidence and Adapt

Having a baby is one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences you’ll ever go through. Not every new mother has the same experiences during pregnancy, labor, or even after giving birth. So, it’s not fair to give in to the stigma that having a newborn is always perfect. 

So many women struggle after giving birth. Some develop the “baby blues” or even Postpartum Depression.  

For some new moms, the biggest issue after having a baby is losing confidence. You might feel as if you don’t know what you’re doing. On top of that, your body looks and feels different, and you might not have the support you need to get through that beginning stage of parenthood. 

So, what can you do as a new mother to adapt to these changes? How can you build your confidence and be proud of who you are and what you’re doing? Let’s go over a few ideas you can put into practice right away. 

Educate Yourself

One of the biggest reasons new mothers struggle with confidence is that they feel “unqualified” somehow. While you were pregnant, you probably heard loads of advice from other mothers, friends, family members, etc. 

Once your baby is actually born, you quickly realize that everything becomes a learning experience. While you won’t be able to find everything you need in a book, a video, or an article online, you can boost your confidence by educating yourself as much as possible. Take the time to do research on questions you have—both before and after your baby is born. 

You’ve heard the saying “knowledge is power,” and that rings true in motherhood, too. Some things you’ll simply learn over time. But, by educating yourself as much as possible, you’ll feel more comfortable with the everyday occurrences, as well as the unexpected. 

If you’re still struggling to find confidence in what you know, talk to the experts. Consult with your doctor, a pediatrician, or even someone like a doula. Be selective about who you listen to in your family/friend group. While you will want to ensure you are accessing accurate information, it is also important to be aware of the stress that can be caused by over-exposing yourself to information from too many sources. Select a couple of trusted sources to gain the information you need. Also remember to take some breaks from seeking information to prevent information overload. This will allow you to honour your own growing knowledge about your baby’s needs.

Find a Support Group

You’re not the only new mother feeling a lack of confidence. You’re not the only one struggling to adapt to a new lifestyle. Sometimes, feeling alone makes the weight of everything ten times worse. 

Knowing that there are others who are dealing with the same things can not only help you feel less alone, but you can find the support you need to get through this stage of life. Sometimes that means swapping stories. Other times it means giving or listening to advice. It might simply mean having someone to vent to or a shoulder to lean on when everything feels too overwhelming. 

Do your research to find “mom groups” in your area, or reach out to other mothers and get together once a week for coffee or lunch. If you’re not comfortable with that, consider joining an online group or forums where open conversation is encouraged. Understanding you’re not alone can help to boost your confidence almost instantly. 

Take Care of Yourself

One of the best things you can do to gain confidence and make this new stage of life easier is to take care of yourself. It’s understandable to give everything you have to your child. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Practicing self-care with a new baby isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. It will make it easier to adapt, and you’ll feel more like “yourself” as you continue to learn and grow as a mother. 

Find little ways to take care of yourself each day. That might mean exercising in the morning, or journaling before bed. Even just a few minutes of self-care each day can make a big difference. 

You deserve to feel confident as you go through this chapter. Keep these ideas in mind to navigate the transition with self-kindness and compassion so that you can enjoy more moments with your little one.