Wednesday 10 August 2016

MOTHERHOOD: How I have changed since becoming a parent...

Becoming a parent is a life changing event and one that completely consumes, in the nicest possible way. I really feel like becoming a Mummy was my purpose in life and it's even me a new sense of being. With that many aspects of my life have changed, some obvious to the outside world and other's not as much. Below are a few things that have changed over the past 16 months of being a Mummy...



Nothing is 'TMI' anymore - Ok, well there are some things that I still won't openly discuss, much to the relief of my friends and family. But I'm so much more open now, I don't easily get embarrassed by TMI conversations anymore. Prior to getting pregnant I was pretty shy when it came to talking about topics like periods, sex, bodily functions etc. Actually just writing those words now does still make me blush a bit, I think that's because nowadays I have friends I'll share everything with and other friends who I won't. 

My NCT group are the 'share everything' with friends, which is kind of ironic as they're the ones I've known for the least amount of time. We have shared our trying to conceive, pregnancy, labour, postpartum and baby experiences with each other, including the good, the bad and the plain ugly! They're friendship has become so special, playing a large part in my first year of parenthood. They're always there to chat, meet for a drink or as a listening ear, I'm so thankful for every single one of them. Every parent knows how unglamorous and straight up messy labour and post labour can be, so I feel very comfortable sharing my experiences with other parents. No details spared! 

Anxiety -I've written a more detailed post about this topic here, but long story short...I used to have pretty bad anxiety but when I got pregnant with Isabella I decided things needed to change. After months of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone I finally started to fell less anxious. A bit part of my anxiety was related to social situations, but after you've had a baby you'd always got something to talk about. Sharing pregnancy/labour/baby experiences, asking for tips and tricks, telling funny stories and asking questions are all things parents love to talk about. My anxiety has changed so much and as a result I feel free. My thoughts are no longer consumed with worry and I've started living a much more relaxed life. 

Body Image - I've never been body confident; food is one of my passions, which results in a constant yo-yoing weight issue. However when I was pregnant I loved my bump, being able to wear bodycon clothes and not having to constantly breathe in! I felt so confident and proud of my body, which was empowering. My body was doing the most incredible thing, all by itself. Now I think I look the worst I've ever looked, yet it doesn't bother me as much as it would have done. I respect my body and everything it's been through. 

Pregnancy is gruelling, often leaving it with stretchmarks and wobbly bits. I have so many stretchmarks, wobbly bits and am the biggest I've ever been, but that's all because I grew this little human being inside me for nine months. My daughter is the reason why I have these (ok, so she doesn't make me eat too many biscuits but I was breastfeeding so it was necessary, right?!) and I couldn't be prouder. My body provided us with someone who brings so much joy, love and happiness to our lives - how could I truly hate it now? Don't get me wrong, I would love to lose weight and tone up, but that previous hatred for my body has diminished dramatically. Also I want Isabella to grow up loving herself and her body, so I feel the responsibility to model that behaviour. I've even bought a swimming costume and plan to go swimming as a family, something I would never have dreamt of doing before.

Do you think you've changed since becoming a parent?
Do you think you'll change if you become a parent?

Feel free to leave a comment :)

Helen x

Sparkles & Stretchmarks Sunday BestYou Baby Me Mummy

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9 comments

  1. Going swimming - yep, I wouldn't have done that pre-baby, not because I was worried about wearing a swimsuit but just because it bored me; now, I feel it's important to take Matilda to the pool so she learns to be confident in the water. I do fob it off onto Steve as much as I can, though...

    I never worried about my weight before and, although I'm the largest I've ever been, I feel good about myself now (possibly because I still picture myself at my pre-pregnancy size) but I've been surprised by how self-conscious I feel trying to figure out what size jeans I actually need. Jeans shopping's awful at the best of times, though, isn't it?!

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    1. Absolutely horrendous! I hate clothes shopping for myself now, but LOVE shopping for Isabella :)

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  2. Something thats changed for me is cooking! I use to hate cooking and now I feel like I want to cook nice meals for maddie so I cook all the time and I actually enjoy doing it. :)

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    1. Aww that's lovely - I also love cooking and it's fun now that Isabella can get involved (and create a huge mess!) :)

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  3. Aww I love this, the tmi bit made me laugh. It's so true, once you have a baby talking about bodily functions and gross things just isn't an issue anymore haha. I've definitely become a much more confident person since becoming a mum and I would say I have a lot more empathy for other parents now than I ever did before xx #TheList

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  4. I agree with all of your points, becoming a mum changed me so much. I'm now the heaviest I have ever been but I honestly say I’m also the happiest I have ever been because my baby gave my life so much meaning. #TheList

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  5. Yes, it has changed me so much. Actually I'm a bit less reticent than I once was on the TMI front too! & body image bothers me much less now as well. #thelist

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  6. Ah what a lovely post. The TMI one I totally relate to...I remember before I had kids, my mum and sister were sitting discussing my sister's childs poo!! I was revolted, and told them they were vile and that I would NEVER so publically discuss my childs toilet habits when I had children...they laughed at me and said that would all change...Yep, I was wrong! They were right! lol.

    Unfortunately my anxiety got a lot worse after having children, but I'm glad that yours got better. that is amazing! Thanks for joining us at #SundayBest, hope to see you again this weekend! x

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  7. I love this, I can really relate to all these changes. My anxiety has worsened since having children but hearing how you pushed through yours is inspiring. Thank you for linking up to #SundayBest x

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