While it can be disheartening, our confidence levels naturally fluctuate throughout our lives. However, various studies have found that becoming a mum can have a surprisingly negative impact on our confidence.

For example, “approximately 30–70% of women who have given birth experience lowered self-esteem after childbirth.” There are, of course, many reasons for this. For example, this decrease in low confidence could be caused by a changing relationship with your body or the fear that you aren’t a good enough parent, even when you’re doing your best to care for your child. 

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to tackle your low-confidence levels as a mum!

Look after your appearance.

The vast majority of low self-esteem issues are linked to our appearance or how we think others perceive us based on this. As a result, you can quickly boost your confidence by ensuring that you are dedicating some time to how you present yourself. For example, you may want to put together a quick skincare and make-up routine that you can complete each morning so that you start the day on the right foot. 

If certain things are limiting confidence in your appearance, such as dental issues, you must tackle these complaints sooner rather than later, too. For example, if you have lost teeth, you can arrange for dental implants to be fitted. This way, nothing is holding you back from smiling! 

Stop mum-shaming yourself. 

Mum-shaming occurs when other parents feel as though their childcare practices and habits are the best and begin to look down on others that may operate slightly differently. According to a recent study, “nearly two-thirds of mothers have felt mum-shamed about their parenting skills.” However, many new parents also mum-shame themselves. For example, you may find yourself looking at parenting Instagram accounts where the mum seems to have everything together and wonder why this isn’t a reality for you. 

If this is something you are dealing with, it’s important to remember that these “mumfluencers” will only upload content that shows their best moments – not the impossibly early mornings or the times when their toddler is throwing a tantrum. Simply put, they deal with the same challenges you’re facing – and you’re not doing anything wrong! 

Whenever you feel mum guilt or shame creeping in, remember that raising children is difficult and that you’re doing your best – and that is enough. 

Remember, you’re more than just a mum.

Another reason why mum begins to deal with low confidence after having children is that they let the role of being a mother consume their identity. When this happens, it’s hard to remember the person we were before having children or the person we’d like to be – which can lead to low self-esteem issues. For example, you may struggle to maintain a romantic connection with your partner, as you no longer feel ‘attractive.’ However, in these cases, it’s important to remember that while being a mum is wonderful, you are so much more than that, too – and it’s okay to celebrate other aspects of your identity.