It’s no secret that having a baby can be tough on your confidence. After all, your body has been through a lot and it can take some time to feel like yourself again. Not to mention all those sleepless nights!

That’s why we’ve put together a list of five ways to boost your confidence postpartum. From getting back into shape to pampering yourself, these tips will help you feel like the amazing woman and mommy you are.

Get active 

Exercise is not only great for your physical health but also your mental health. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Postpartum women often feel overwhelmed and exhausted, so it’s important to find an exercise routine that works for you. If possible, try to get outside for some fresh air and vitamin D. Even a short walk can make a big difference in your energy levels and mood.

Several different exercises are great for postpartum women. Low-impact activities, such as swimming or walking, are often the best option in the early weeks and months after having a baby. As your energy levels increase, you can start to add in other activities, such as strength training, yoga or pilates. If pilates is something you find you enjoy, you could look into getting your own equipment from somewhere like https://pilatesmatters.com and make this a new habit for life.

It’s important to listen to your body and not overdo it. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as you feel ready. Also be sure to check in with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime, particularly if you have just had a baby, as you will need to rest and heal before doing anything physically strenuous.

Dress the part 

One way to help you feel more confident postpartum is to dress the part. When you look good, you feel good. Find some comfortable yet stylish clothes that make you feel great and start building your postpartum wardrobe. You don’t have to spend a lot of money – just find something that makes you look and feel your best.

There is no one “right” way to dress postpartum, but there are some types of clothing that can be especially helpful for new moms. Look for clothes that are comfortable yet stylish, and that offer easy access for nursing. Stretchy fabrics like cotton and bamboo are often ideal, as they provide ample room for your changing body and are gentle on sensitive skin. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a friend or family member for help – or check out some online resources for inspiration.

Some of the best types of clothes for postpartum moms include:

-Nursing tops

-Comfortable yet stylish dresses

-Pants with a comfortable waistband

-Leggings

-Flowy skirts

-Cardigans or jackets that can be easily removed for nursing

Take care of yourself postpartum

How you feel will impact your confidence postpartum, and that means there are lots of things you can do to boost your confidence.

Postpartum self-care

It’s important to take care of yourself postpartum, both physically and emotionally. There are some specific things you can do to take care of yourself postpartum. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying active. You might also want to consider taking a postpartum yoga or pilates class.

Indeed, a postpartum yoga or pilates class can help you regain your confidence for a few reasons. First, it will help you get back into shape and start feeling physically strong again. Second, it will give you some time to focus on yourself and your own needs. And third, it will connect you with other moms who are going through similar experiences.

Emotional support 

Making sure you have the right emotional support postpartum is also crucial. The good news is there are plenty of options to consider here. One is to join a new mothers group either in person or online so you can compare experiences and gain support from others that are in a similar situation.

You can also ask your doctor and midwife about emotional support as a new mother, especially if you are struggling. In fact, because of the fluctuation of hormones as well as the increased responsibilities that occur postpartum the incidences of anxiety, depression, OCD and psychosis can all rise. Remember these are nothing to do with your qualities as a person, and support is out there for anyone struggling.

Mommy makeovers 

Another thing that can take a nose dive after you have given birth is your physical confidence, which is ironic really because your body has just done the most amazing thing – grown and given birth to a human. Sadly we still live in a society that places extreme demands on the way we should look as women, and that means opting for a makeover can give us that little boost we need.

Of course, makeovers come in all shapes and sizes, and some new mothers are happy to go to the local cosmetics counter and get a new foundation and moisturizer, while others may ask for help from a personal shopper to find clothes that work to accentuate their postpartum body. Still, others may seek out the help of a professional like Matthew Schulman, MD Mommy Makeover Surgeon that can advise them on more lasting changes they can make. Although the type of makeover and whether you choose to get one at all should always be utterly up to you and for you.

Set realistic goals 

It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself postpartum. Just because you’ve had a baby doesn’t mean you need to lose all the baby weight overnight – or that you even need to lose it at all. Instead, focus on setting achievable goals that will make you feel good about yourself.

Some realistic goals you might want to set postpartum include:

-Getting regular exercise

-Eating a healthy diet

-Spending time with friends and family members

-Doing something for yourself every day

-Taking some “me” time each week

-Finding a hobby or activity you enjoy

-Making time for your partner

-Setting aside time each day to bond with your baby

Remember getting your confidence back postpartum is more than about how you look. It’s about creating a life that you love as you begin your journey into motherhood.