Just like the legendary Wonder Woman with superhuman powers and abilities, postpartum moms also possess extraordinary strengths. A woman’s ability to nurture a life within her and then bring it into the world is a remarkable feat. You need a lot of emotional strength, selflessness and fierce protective instincts to give birth and raise your child. Unleash all those powers within you to feel great in the journey of motherhood. From embracing self-care to rekindling your sexual life, here are our suggestions for you.
Embrace self-care
Taking care of yourself is a necessity as it not only benefits you but also helps you take care of your baby in an efficient way. With the support of family, schedule some “me time” for rest and sleep. Even when life gets busy, eat well and engage in hobbies you love. Wear comfortable clothes that reflect your style and make you feel good. Don’t neglect yourself by putting your needs last. You deserve mental peace and relaxation.
Bond with your baby
Cherish all the small moments you spend with your baby. Although they would not outgrow your heart, they would soon outgrow your lap. Enjoy all the cuddles, and let them nap in your arms. The skin-to-skin contact does wonders in bonding with the baby. Play and interact with them, sing nursery rhymes, dance together and play peek-a-boo. This not only strengthens your connection but also brings you immense joy, pride and a sense of fulfilment.
Nurture your mental well-being
Taking care of your mental health is crucial in your new role as a mom. A happy mother contributes to a happy family. Your emotional well-being influences your family. For you to feel great, practice self-care and be kind and patient towards yourself. Set realistic expectations, acknowledge your efforts and accept your imperfections. Mothers are fairly prone to stress and a sense of overwhelmedness. Engage in activities that reduce stress, like exercise and meditation. Don’t shy away from seeking professional support when needed.
Get back in shape
Getting back in shape doesn’t necessarily mean fitting into size 8. The focus should be on building your physical stamina. Start gradually with a workout regime that is persistent and easy to follow. Consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on strenuous exercises. Incorporate cardio, yoga and pilates in your routine to regain your core body strength and stability. Don’t forget to practice kegels, as they are one of the many ways to address urinary incontinence and damaged perineum and pelvic floor after childbirth.
Start a blog on your motherhood journey
Blogging is a journey of self-expression that will give you a sense of fulfilment. It provides an outlet for your thoughts and feelings about motherhood. You share your failures and celebrate your achievements with your audience. The act of writing itself is therapeutic as it helps you process your emotions. Create engaging content and reflect on your parenting style and the lessons you learned along the way. This not only boosts your self-esteem but also inspires your audience and gives them positive encouragement.
Pursue your passions
Identify activities that you are passionate about or always wanted to try. These will bring you joy and peace of mind. It can be your hobbies like gardening, reading, painting, or your goals and ambitions in life. Don’t give up on your interests in life when your family extends. Rather, find ways to involve them in your passions and hobbies. Find harmony between your role as a mother and your dreams. Bring out the wonder woman in you by achieving your life goals.
Rekindle your sexual life
With the increasing demands of parenting, your sexual life undergoes a lot of adjustments and changes. Childbirth itself has lasting effects on your intimate physique and sexual function, like vaginal laxity and problems with sexual arousal, to name a few. Seek professional help if these are your concerns. It is important to find ways of spending quality time with your partner outside of your parenting responsibilities. Look for creative ways to keep the spark alive, plan date nights or a romantic weekend getaway. Rekindling your relationship with your partner is essential for your emotional well-being.
Give back to the community
Find various meaningful ways to contribute to the community. Volunteer locally at a community centre or shelter home. Start a local or online support group for moms where they can share experiences and seek advice from fellow moms. Declutter your home and donate baby items, clothes and toys that are no longer needed. Knowing your donation can bring joy to others can boost your self-esteem. These acts of kindness build a sense of purpose and accomplishment in you.
To conclude
Taking care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally can bring out the wonder woman in you. By prioritizing self-care, bonding with your baby, pursuing your passions and contributing to the community, you will feel good and boost your self-confidence. Remember, a cheerful and content mom can inspire and positively impact her family and the community.
About the Author
Dr Ammar Mahmoud is a highly respected cosmetic gynaecological surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures. He has a particular focus on sexual wellness and function. He has trained at St. George’s University, where he served as Vice President of the Medical Honor Society and on the board of the Anatomical Clinical Research Society. Dr Mahmoud also completed his residency at the State University of New York Downstate, where he currently serves as a clinical associate professor. In recent years, he has given a keynote speech on advanced labiaplasty and vaginoplasty techniques and has been a faculty member at the International Cosmetic Gynecology Conference in 2018 and 2019. Dr Mahmoud is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. He is dedicated to providing his patients compassionate and professional care based on individual needs.