Embracing the Identity Shift: Adjusting to Motherhood and Rediscovering Yourself

Jul 14, 2023 | Ebru Yildirim
Career Coaching Dubai

It's true that people say a woman will never be her old self after giving birth to a child. Yes, there's no denying that, but what if she can be more than that?

What if she can redefine herself along the lines of motherhood? What if she can become a career woman without downplaying the role of a mother?

You can always ask for help, such as from a life coach in Dubai or anywhere you live, to provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate both the adjustments of motherhood and the journey of self-discovery.

Easier said than done. Adjusting to motherhood and accepting the identity shift is more complex. Some mothers wonder whether they can ever go back to work or how they'll make up their minds to balance work while embracing motherhood.

Let us help you understand how you can rediscover and rebuild yourself as a mother.

Why Do You Find It Hard To Identify Yourself After Childbirth?

As a new mom, you'll have a lot going on in your life right after childbirth; even after a few years, you'll still have a lot to deal with. You'll see differences in how you think, behave, and your overall personality. But here are some of the common reasons why you experience an identity shift:

Your priorities change: As soon as you give birth to a baby, you'll experience how your priorities change. Even without you knowing it, you will focus more on your baby. You will find it challenging to think about anything other than your baby. But remember, even if you feel like you're not doing enough, you're a good mom!

You're stressed about your new role: It's understandable why most new moms keep checking on their babies every second. They're concerned and stressed. They want to ensure their baby is fine, and that's very normal. But all these concerns and constant thoughts of ensuring your baby's safety lead to a lot of stress. Your brain gets clouded by your baby's thoughts, and you won't have space for yourself.

You don't feel freedom: Feeling tied down and fearing that you may never work again due to the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for your baby is a common concern. Constantly focusing on your child might make it seem like nothing else in your career matters.

However, it's essential to remember that career coaching exists precisely for this reason—to help and support individuals like you. With professional guidance, you can learn how to achieve a healthy balance between motherhood and work-life.

How To Rediscover Yourself After Motherhood?

New motherhood can be challenging. You'll drown in self-doubt and anxiety. You might even question your role as a mother, but remember, these thoughts don't deserve attention. As a new mom, you do your best to be available for your baby. Sometimes you feel like running away, but don't do that. Instead, try these methods to rediscover yourself:

  • Make sure you're not pushing yourself too hard. When you do that, you become even more stressed. This applies to rediscovering yourself too. If you find it hard to allocate time for yourself, take it slow.
  • It's essential to have a proper sleep routine. While setting a sleep routine for a newborn is impossible, you can at least try to nap when the baby is napping. Or make sure to take your baby to the room when it's sleep time; this way, you can, at least, have a proper routine, and it'll help you relax.
  • Focus on your goals and strive to achieve them. If you're career-oriented and wondering if you will lose touch by the time you are ready to resume, don't worry; you can seek help from a career coach in Dubai. They can assist you in staying on track and navigating any challenges that come your way.

Conclusion

Motherhood isn't easy, and don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. If you find yourself constantly drowning in self-doubt, take it easy. You have birthed a baby, and that's not something easy, so try to breathe and take one step at a time.