Whoever says postpartum is easy probably never experienced it. You go through mood swings and major life changes, and on top of everything, your hormones are absolutely wild. It’s hard to make time for yourself and deal with all these new emotions, which is why postpartum affirmations might be a great solution.
If you’ve ever used affirmations before, then you know that they work like magic. Using positive affirmations can help you deal with anxiety and depressive thoughts, and help you remind yourself who you truly are.
As a new mom, I’m sure you’re already feeling like you’re starting to lose yourself. That’s completely normal, so don’t feel bad about it. It doesn’t make you a bad mom.
You’re a human and your life has turned upside down, it’s only natural to feel lost and hopeless, especially if this is your first baby. Just remember that this is all a part of your postpartum recovery and that everything’s going to be just fine.
Still, it’s good that you’ve decided to work on your mental health and get control over your life again. Although feeling like this is normal, it’s still good to give yourself some extra motivation and work on not losing yourself completely.
If you’re not sure how postpartum affirmations work and if they’re efficient, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to answer all of your questions and list some of the best ones you can use.
What are affirmations?
Understanding what affirmations really are is the first step in using them efficiently. No, they’re not magic, although they might seem like it sometimes. They’re simply short, concise phrases you use to make your mind think more positively – and they absolutely work.
These phrases affect both your subconscious and conscious mind. The right kind of affirmations can have a positive impact on your mood, mind, behavior, and the way you see the world around you.
Research shows that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative. Can you believe that?
Imagine if 80% of the day you have someone telling you all the bad things about you. Of course, it would have a negative impact on your mood and the way you see yourself! That’s how our degrading thoughts work as well.
Positive affirmations, on the other hand, do the complete opposite.
They quite literally reprogram our subconscious mind to reduce our negative thinking patterns. On top of that, they help us see the parts of ourselves we ignore completely. We begin to love the things we never considered before but that are a huge part of who we are.
Think of it as taking your brain, clearing it out of any negative thoughts and opinions about yourself until it’s sparkling clean, and finally being able to see the world for how it really is. As a new mom, isn’t that exactly what you need?
It can be pretty hard to stay positive when you’re deprived of sleep, dealing with hormonal changes, and having a small baby’s life depend on you through all of that. Take a deep breath, mama. The fact you’re here means that you’re already on the right track to getting your life back. You got this.
Why are postpartum affirmations a good idea?
Now that we know what these phrases are and how they work, we want to know why are postpartum affirmations a good idea. Can they really make a change, or is it just wishful thinking?
Well, I’m here to tell you that they can absolutely transform your postpartum recovery and the effect it has on your mental health.
You’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster lately, haven’t you? It seems like you feel joy and frustration, relief and exhaustion, amazement and stress, all in one day – and sometimes multiple times a day! This can be incredibly tiring and can lead to even more stress and possibly health issues.
Postpartum affirmations help you control these emotions and look at yourself and your life with more love and understanding. When you decide to use these affirmations, you’ll notice just how relaxing these moments will be. They’ll help you stay present while filling your mind with positive thoughts.
On top of a huge change in your life, the dramatic changes in hormones can also lead to mood swings, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and more. This is often called “Baby blues,” and it affects most moms for the first few weeks after giving birth.
Baby blues are typically confused with postpartum depression, which is a lot more serious. The latter is not characterized only by mood swings, but it is seen and treated like any other type of depression. It often results in anxiety, low mood, feelings of hopelessness, and more.
Luckily, using positive affirmations can help with all of this. However, if you notice that your depression is not getting any better, I highly advise that you talk to a therapist. They will help you navigate through this challenging period of your life.
Best postpartum affirmations for new moms
Now, without further ado, let’s check out some of the best and most efficient postpartum affirmations you can use. Here are my top picks:
1. I give myself and my baby some time to rest.
2. It’s okay to ask for help when I need it.
3. I am doing my best and I am good enough.
4. My baby and I are surrounded by positive people who want well for us.
5. My body is healing. It’s stronger than it’s ever been.
6. I am grateful for my body and amazed by its ability to create life.
7. This is just a phase of my life. Things will get easier.
8. I cherish every moment with my baby.
9. I am filled with motherly love, peace, and joy.
10. A bad day is not a bad life. I have time to become the parent I want to be.
11. I am learning. I am growing. I am allowed to make mistakes.
12. I am more than just a mom. I deserve some time for myself.
13. My feelings are valid.
14. No matter what I look like or how I feel, I am my baby’s biggest comfort.
15. I am capable of taking care of my child.
16. Motherhood has made me strong and beautiful.
17. I release negative emotions and make room for joy.
18. I won’t let negative thoughts ruin these precious moments.
19. I won’t compare myself to other moms.
20. Only I know what’s best for my baby.
21. I trust my motherly intuition.
22. My day is filled with the limitless potential of joy, love, and happiness.
23. I will cherish the good times and allow myself to feel the way I feel when I am struggling.
24. It’s okay not to enjoy every moment of this period.
25. Resting will help me take better care of my baby.
26. I am confident in my abilities as a mom.
27. I love my body for all that it is and all that it has created.
28. I listen to what my body needs.
29. I will take care of myself to take care of my baby.
30. I have natural intuitions that will guide me to the right choices. I trust them.
31. Asking for help doesn’t make me a failure.
32. My baby is my only priority. Cleaning is not important.
33. My love for my children is unconditional.
34. My mind, body, and spirit are balanced.
35. I release the expectations of being perfect.
36. I gain confidence as a mother every day.
37. I am living a new life, but I’m still able to love the things I used to love.
38. I am blessed with new possibilities.
39. I breathe out stress and breathe in peace.
40. My baby and I will have a good life together.
How to use postpartum affirmations?
There are different methods when it comes to using postpartum affirmations efficiently. The most important thing is that you don’t give up and you keep using them regularly, even if it feels like they’re making no change in your life.
As a new mom, I’m sure it’s almost impossible for you to have a consistent routine when your baby depends on you. Luckily, there are some methods that won’t require a lot of time and effort, yet they’re just as efficient. One of them is writing your affirmations down and placing them on your mirror.
In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a mirror. Simply find a place where you know you’ll see your magical phrases often. Pick a few postpartum affirmations that speak to you the most, jot them down, and place them on your fridge, or on the walls of your bedroom.
Every once in a while, when you walk past them, take a moment to skim over your notes. Take a deep breath, repeat the phrases, and let yourself really feel everything you’re reading. Imagine it, feel it in your chest, and let the feeling wash over you. That’s the only way you’ll start to believe the things you say.
And, most importantly, be patient. Give yourself some time. Allow yourself to feel everything, and don’t pressure yourself to always be in a good mood. This is the most challenging part of motherhood, so give yourself some grace and try not to make it even harder for yourself.
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