Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's completely normal to have moments of self-doubt. However, it's during these challenging times that you can discover your true strength. Here are some ways to find that inner power when you're feeling like you're not a good mom:
**1. Embrace Vulnerability:**
Sometimes, admitting that you're struggling is the bravest thing you can do. Share your feelings with a trusted friend or in a supportive mom group. You'll often find that others have been through similar experiences and can offer valuable advice and encouragement.
**2. Celebrate Small Wins:**
Motherhood is a series of small victories. Whether it's getting your child to eat a new vegetable or successfully navigating a tantrum, celebrate these moments. Recognizing your daily achievements can boost your confidence.
**3. Learn and Adapt:**
No one is born a perfect mom, and every child is unique. Take a proactive approach to parenting by seeking knowledge, reading books, and attending parenting workshops. Remember, growth often comes from learning and adapting to new challenges.
**4. Lean on Your Support System:**
Your family and friends can be an incredible source of strength. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it, whether it's for a few hours of childcare, a listening ear, or just a break to recharge.
**5. Practice Self-Compassion:**
Be as kind to yourself as you are to your children. Understand that making mistakes is part of the journey. When you slip up, remind yourself that you're doing your best, and tomorrow is a new day to try again.
**6. Reflect on Your Journey:**
Take some time to look back on your parenting journey. You'll likely realize how much you've grown and how many challenges you've overcome. These reflections can be a powerful reminder of your resilience.
**7. Focus on the Love:**
Above all, remember that love is at the core of motherhood. Your unwavering love for your children is a testament to your dedication as a mom. When in doubt, let your love guide your actions and decisions.
My Finding Strength in a Tough Moment Story
After I gave birth to my son Declan, my mental health was at an all time LOW. I am prescribed antidepressants but didn't take them during my pregnancy because Im weird and don't want to take any additional pills that I don't need to. Well, when I gave birth the labor and delivery nurse gave me my medication right there in the hospital and that was day one of reintroducing my body back to it.
It took a good month - six weeks before I felt the medication kick in and during that time all I wanted to do was lay in bed. My husband tried everything to get me back to "normal" even offering to take me to Target and I would refuse. Because this wasn't my first pregnancy I knew that PPD would occur because I had it with my other two pregnancies so I was able to create a game plan with my therapist on how I could combat it. I was able to reach out to her and get an appointment asap and my husband drove me in. She reminded me of how strong I was and told me to start with something small like making my bed. Having a clean bed helps with anxiety cause its something you have control over and just being able to complete one thing a day made me feel so much better about myself.
I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but an actual sign of strength and I am fortunate that I had a therapist that I was already working with and comfortable with to ask for help. I know that not everyone is that fortunate and that is why I started the Empowering Mom Newsletter for mothers who don't have anyone to talk to, or a village to text in the middle of the night to ask what is happening with their baby. Let me be that person for you.
By acknowledging and embracing these moments of vulnerability and turning them into opportunities for growth, you can tap into the incredible strength that resides within you as a mother. Remember, you're stronger than you think, and you're doing an amazing job. If this sounds like a newsletter you would be interested in, click this link and sign up. Motherhood is hard but you don't have to do it alone. Let me help you.
Thank you for sharing your tips and insights on how to navigate motherhood in ways that you can realistically celebrate each day. I truly believe that completing a few small tasks can make a world of a difference. I use a journal where I create a daily checklist and it’s unbelievable how therapeutic scribbling out a few lines or words can feel.
As I’m navigating a pivotal moment in my career with leading as well as knowing that I’m going to start maternity leave, I’ve definitely had my concerns and anxieties about what a “return to work” will look like for me, and I haven’t even given birth yet. I’m actually more concerned about what my job will look like in five months rather than focusing on this new life that’s about to come into the world. I’m trying to force myself to take moments to celebrate this new life, but I’m also nervous about the crazy routines we’ll have to get re-adjusted to, after getting in “somewhat” of a rhythm with our first.
With that, the list can go on and on, but I’m also really nervous about how my first will navigate becoming a big sister. Everyone keeps telling me she’ll be OK, and that I’ll fall in love with their bond – but I’ve been scared about the bond I may lose with my first that I’ve grown to love and cherish. It’s definitely hard being a Mom (at times), but happy there is such a beautiful community of support. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Morgan Pelt on