Self Identity & Body Image Struggles
You had a child and now you just aren’t sure who you are anymore. You love your children and family more than anything, but you feel like something is missing. You use to be so carefree, easy-going, and able to change plans with little notice. Life was simple. Now you feel you are constantly doing laundry and cleaning, scheduling appointments, changing diapers, or arguing with your teen.
Not only is life different, but your body is also different. After having a baby you may struggle to appreciate your body or feel comfortable with the changes from pregnancy and delivery. You may not like what you see in the mirror and may worry that your partner is not attracted to you anymore.
You also feel so busy that you don’t feel like you have time for yourself or to take care of your health. You know that health is important, but with all of the responsibilities that come with parenting, it can feel like there just isn’t enough time to commit to it. As a busy mom, taking care of yourself may at the bottom of the to-do list. But committing to care for yourself, both emotionally and physically, not only improves your overall health and your mood, it also positively impacts your children and your relationships.
There is a lot of misinformation about how a woman’s body should respond after pregnancy and the standards are unfortunately set very high. They are often unrealistic. The result is that you, as a mom, are not only struggling with the responsibilities and pressures of parenthood but you are also expected to always be happy, energetic, and look your best. It can be exhausting.
Health as a mom may look different than what you expected.
What health as a Mom is not…
Losing the “baby weight” as soon as you possibly can after you have your child, and feeling anxiety or depression if your body doesn’t return to exactly how it was.
Going to the gym every single day, feeling stress if you miss a workout, or skipping social events or opportunities to connect with others to get in a workout when you really don’t want to.
Any diet that leaves you feeling hungry, tired, irritable, or dissatisfied.
Drinking at night only to destress or relax.
What health as a Mom really is….
Rediscovering your identity as a mom while maintaining your individuality and personal goals and desires.
Learning to appreciate and respect your body in whatever stage your in, regardless of if you love how it looks.
Finding consistent movement that feels good to you, and committing to it because you know it feels good, not because you believe you have to.
Eating based on your body’s needs and feeling confident in your own ability to eat what you need to satisfy you.
Prioritizing your own sleep.
Getting regular medical, dental, and mental health check-ups.
Having a safe place with a partner, friend, counselor, or church to talk freely about the highs and lows of parenting.
Being able to mindfully connect with your body in a way that allows you to be in the present moment.
Addressing the anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic stress, or overwhelm that you may be feeling so that you can live your life and show up for yourself and your family.
How Counseling can Help
We work with moms through individual therapy to regain your identity, address the barriers, and shift your mindset on what health really is— based on science and research, not on societal norms. Together we will develop a plan to take steps towards valuing yourself for the amazing woman that you already are. Through therapy you can learn to live in the moment and appreciate life as it is, get better sleep, eat more mindfully and intuitively, address emotional eating, understand your own experiences and how they shape your views of weight and health, work through issues of negative body image, and develop boundaries you need to take care of yourself.