Here at mollybloom.com, we’ve compiled some great research and opinions on the topic of confidence and empowerment during motherhood. We always aim to present our findings in an objective way that can help you positively develop your experiences as a mom.
Confidence is an incredibly important part of personal growth, especially for women navigating the complex journey of motherhood. Learning how to be more confident can make a huge difference in every aspect of life and your choices in raising your children. This guide is all about empowering women and mothers with practical strategies to boost self-esteem, embrace their individual paths, overcome self-doubt, and cultivate a positive self-image.
Here, we’ll explore methods for building resilience, setting healthy boundaries, and developing a strong sense of self-worth. We’ll address common issues such as mom guilt, postpartum depression, and the pressures of societal expectations so that moms like you can discover their inner strength and thrive in their roles—both as mothers and individuals.
1. Understanding Confidence in Motherhood
What confidence looks like for women, particularly in the context of motherhood
Maternal confidence in caretaking (MCC) is such a vital part of being a mom. It’s all about trusting your gut, making decisions for your little one, and handling all the ups and downs of parenthood with strength and belief in yourself. When moms feel confident in their caregiving, it has a big impact on their baby’s development – physically, cognitively, and emotionally [1]. It’s all about believing in your ability to understand and meet your child’s needs, making smart choices, and rolling with the punches of being a parent.
Still, it must be noted that the transition to motherhood brings about significant practical and psychological challenges that can affect a woman’s confidence. Research indicates that almost two-thirds of new mothers, approximately 63%, experience decreasing levels of self-esteem after giving birth [2]. This decline in confidence can stem from a variety of changes, especially as mothers often find themselves juggling different roles and responsibilities that can feel overwhelming.
It’s totally normal to have moments of self-doubt and to feel exhausted both physically and mentally; our bodies change after pregnancy, and getting used to these changes can be tough. On top of that, the lack of sleep and reduced social interactions brought on by taking care of a newborn can take a negative toll.
Trying to find that balance between work and motherhood only adds another layer to these challenges, as it’s a whole new territory that might challenge moms’ sense of competence and identity. But remember, you’re not alone in this. Many women go through similar experiences, and there’s plenty of support out there to help you through trying times. So, take a deep breath and remember that you’re doing the best you can – and that’s plenty good enough.
Molly’s initial struggles with confidence after becoming a mother
Take our founder Molly Bloom’s story, for example. Molly’s journey into motherhood encapsulates the relatable challenges faced by many new mothers. Her path to motherhood, after a lengthy and expensive IVF process, led her to struggle with overwhelming pressure, anxiety, and society’s expectations. The abrupt shift away from her previous life to the all-consuming responsibilities of being a single parent and breadwinner to her daughter, Fiona, left her feeling lost and uncertain.
Amidst the traditional feelings of parental joy, Molly also experienced deep sadness and guilt. She found herself lost in the internal conflict of loving her new role as a mother while struggling with the added pressures it brought into her life.
Despite Molly’s incredible past accomplishments, including making the US Ski Team with a reconstructed spine, surviving encounters with the Italian and Russian Mobs, and inspiring the Hollywood blockbuster “Molly’s Game,” nothing compared to the challenges she faced after becoming a mom. It all became too overwhelming, leading Molly to question her own abilities and decisions.
Molly only began to find her way back and create a healthier life for herself and her child when she started prioritizing her own needs, setting boundaries, and carving out space for herself – lessons mothers like you can learn from as you create your own strategies to building confidence in motherhood.
2. Embracing Your Unique Journey
Every mom’s journey is one-of-a-kind, shaped by her own story, values, and life experiences. It’s important to celebrate this individuality for you to feel properly confident and fulfilled as a mom, and never lose yourself along the way.
Studies have found that the distinct bond between moms and their adult children can vary a lot, even within the same family. This diversity just goes to show how crucial it is to honor and accept our own unique paths in motherhood.
To embrace your own journey in motherhood, start by figuring out what’s really important to you and what you want to focus on. Remember that your path might look different from other people’s, and that’s totally okay. When it comes to being a mom, appreciate the ups and downs and the ways these experiences help you grow. And always reach out to people who understand and support the decisions you make.
Of course, this doesn’t mean relying too heavily on the opinions of others, no matter how close they are to you, as studies have proven that societal expectations and comparisons can significantly impact a mother’s confidence and well-being.
When it comes to letting go of comparisons and societal expectations, it’s important to remember that every family’s needs and circumstances are unique. Instead of stressing over what others are doing, focus on what works best for you and your family. Try to limit your exposure to sources that promote unrealistic standards, and be kind to yourself, and of course, remember to acknowledge your efforts and practice self-compassion along the way.
Molly’s own story is a great example of this, as she began flourishing in her role as a mother once she decided to release herself from societal expectations and outdated standards for motherhood. She embraced her unique journey, recognizing that it was crucial for her growth as a mother. Instead of clinging to old ways, she learned to be true to herself within her new way of life [7].
Molly’s experience aligns with the idea that mothers should not have to sacrifice their identity entirely [8]. She learned to continue developing herself in various areas, benefiting not only herself but also her family. This approach allowed her to work towards becoming her best self while helping her children do the same.
In embracing her unique journey, Molly discovered that motherhood had awakened a new self, leading to personal growth and a shift in her perspective. Likewise, by learning from Molly’s anecdotes and focusing on your personal growth and values, you too can develop greater confidence and joy in your journey as a mother.
3. Building Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Strategies for improving self-esteem and recognizing personal worth
Never forget to remind yourself about the importance of building self-esteem and recognizing personal worth throughout your daily life. As a woman and mother, it’s crucial for you to feel confident and empowered to effectively care for your child.
One simple way to do this is by practicing gratitude every day; take a few minutes to reflect on and write down five things you’re thankful for – it can really help shift your focus to the positive things in life and make you feel more optimistic and valuable.
Another great way to boost self-esteem is through daily affirmations. Speaking affirmations out loud can serve as a powerful reminder of your strengths and positive traits. Some great affirmations to repeat yourself include: “I give myself permission to be myself,” “I love myself fully,” “I’m doing my best, and that is enough,” and “My future is bright.” Repeat these affirmations regularly to combat negative self-talk and reinforce your positive self-image as a mother.
Remember to celebrate your accomplishments, big and small! As a mom, it’s essential to recognize the incredible job you’re doing caring for your little one while managing all your other responsibilities. Take some time to write down at least two daily achievements to boost your confidence and appreciate your abilities.
It’s also important to challenge negative thoughts by adopting a more optimistic perspective. Instead of catastrophizing, try focusing on past accomplishments and positive feedback to counter any lingering doubts or insecurities about your parenting choices.
Lastly, surround yourself with positivity! Building a supportive network of friends and family can provide the emotional support you need, reduce stress, and enhance your and your baby’s overall quality of life. As Tony Robbins says, “When you surround yourself with positivity, you’re more likely to adopt empowering beliefs and see life as happening for you instead of to you.”
4. Practicing Self-Care and Wellness
Don’t forget this important reminder: Taking care of yourself is indispensable for managing your stress and staying healthy, especially for moms. Self-care means looking after your own well-being and happiness. It’s not selfish – it’s necessary! Even simple acts of self-kindness can make a big difference in reducing the exhaustion, burnout, stress, and depression that many busy moms face [12].
There are a number of easy ways to practice self-care while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. First things first, try to get a good night’s sleep – aiming for 7 to 8 hours can make a world of difference for your physical and mental well-being. It’s also great to fit in some exercise, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.
Eating a healthy diet is key, so focus on lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and whole grains while steering clear of sugary drinks and high-fat foods. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Schedule in some “me time” on your calendar and protect it like you would any other appointment. Whether it’s a workout class, lunch with a friend, or some quiet time with a good book, make sure you have time for yourself.
Mindfulness activities, like deep breathing or the positive affirmations we mentioned before, can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Don’t forget to pursue your hobbies and spend time in nature – it’s a great way to relax and recharge. Lastly, staying connected with friends and family, or joining parenting groups, can provide valuable support.
5. Letting Go of Perfectionism
Here’s a little reminder for you: It’s totally okay to not be perfect and to have “bad moments” as a parent. Remember, it doesn’t make you a bad parent, it just means you’re human. Mistakes are opportunities for learning and personal growth.
By letting go of the pressure to be perfect, moms like you can free themselves and their families from unnecessary stress. Some strategies to combat perfectionism include challenging black-and-white thinking and being mindful of negative self-talk. It’s important to remember that striving for perfection can actually hold us back and keep us feeling stuck rather than acting as a tool to move forward.
6. Celebrating Small Wins
Never forget to celebrate those small victories you make, no matter how little. In motherhood, every single step forward is a big deal and worth recognizing; it’s all about building your confidence and motivation. Taking a moment to celebrate helps you appreciate how far you’ve come and the journey you’re on. And remember, it’s okay to embrace your unique journey, trust your instincts, and let go of perfectionism. Do your best to find joy in every step of the parenting adventure!
Conclusion
As a reminder, self-discovery and growth are integral parts of the journey to becoming a confident woman and mother. Throughout this guide, we’ve shared strategies to boost self-esteem, embrace individuality, and practice self-care – ones we hope will resonate with you and help you through your own experiences as a parent.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood or personal growth. Each woman’s path is unique, shaped by her experiences, values, and circumstances. By trusting your instincts, letting go of perfectionism, and celebrating small wins, you can build a strong foundation of confidence that impacts every aspect of your life and your childs!
Molly’s own story is truly inspiring as a framework for gaining confidence as a woman, as it shows how women can navigate the challenges of motherhood while nurturing their own identity. At mollybloom.com, we’re dedicated to empowering women and providing mothers like you with support networks and resources that you can rely on during the most challenging times.
References
[1] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9368401/
[2] – https://www.thecorporatesister.com/blog/confident-like-a-mother-on-developing-confidence-as-a-working-mom/
[3] – https://www.mindful.org/cultivating-courage-and-confidence-in-motherhood/
[4] – https://www.lucieslist.com/guides/parenting-mental-wellness/rediscovering-yourself-motherhood/
[5] – https://kateborsato.com/featured/losing-identity-as-a-mom/
[6] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4507819/
[7] – https://freshexchange.com/motherhood-learning-new-self/
[8] – https://www.healthyhumansproject.com/maintaining-your-identity-in-motherhood/
[9] – https://chatbooks.com/blog/self-esteem-for-new-moms
[10] – https://singlemamaway.com.au/positive-self-talk-the-easy-way-to-improve-self-worth/
[11] – https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/how-to-boost-your-confidence-as-a-sahm/
[12] – https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/self-care-tips-for-moms
[13] – https://nopalera.co/blogs/news/the-importance-of-self-care-as-a-mom
[14] – https://counselorcarmen.com/the-loving-relationship-between-self-esteem-and-self-care/
[15] – https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/mindfulness/why-self-care-is-important-for-mothers/
[16] – https://flourish-living.com/how-to-trust-your-intuition-as-a-mother/
[17] – https://www.parents.com/parenting/moms/mothers-intuition-is-real-and-heres-why-you-should-trust-it/
[18] – https://genmindful.com/blogs/mindful-moments/celebrating-small-victories-in-parenting
[19] – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-balanced-working-mama/202112/overcoming-perfectionism-in-motherhood
[20] – https://medium.com/know-thyself-heal-thyself/the-power-of-celebrating-small-wins-and-their-positive-impact-on-life-f2fd17c3dc51