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    How to Maintain Your Identity After Becoming a Mum

    How to Maintain Your Identity After Becoming a Mum

    Motherhood changes you—there’s no getting around it. But while you’re discovering new strengths and superpowers, you don’t have to leave your old self behind. Whether it’s keeping your passions alive, reconnecting with your partner, or simply celebrating the small wins, staying true to you is key. Here’s how to embrace motherhood while still holding on to the person you’ve always been.

    By Dandy / Mar 19 2025

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    Motherhood is a wild ride. One minute you're rocking your pre-baby self with confidence and the next minute, you’re knee-deep in nappies, bottles, and a never-ending list of things to do. So, how on earth do you hold onto the person you were before all of this while also embracing your new role as a mum? Spoiler: it’s possible – and necessary!

     

    You’re more than just “mum.” You’re a whole person with passions, goals, and dreams that don’t disappear just because you’ve got a tiny human to take care of. Let’s dive into how to keep that spark alive and maintain your identity while juggling the many hats of motherhood.

    1. Remember the “You” Before Baby

    It might feel like a lifetime ago, but you were once someone who did things for you. Whether you loved binging Netflix on your own terms or devouring books without worrying about someone’s nap schedule, you had hobbies and interests that made you, you.

     

    Revisit those things. Pick up that book (even if it’s for only 10 minutes), listen to that podcast that has absolutely nothing to do with parenting, or make time for that hobby you used to love. Even small doses of your old self can make a world of difference.

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    2. Get Comfortable Saying “No”

     

    When you become a mum, everyone suddenly wants a piece of you. From family asking for visits to friends inviting you out (let’s be honest, it’s never as simple as "just pop round" when you've got a baby), it can be easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to say yes to everything. In fact, you shouldn’t.

     

    Say no when you need to. Say no when it’s going to drain your energy. Say no when it doesn’t serve you. Saying no to others means saying yes to yourself – and that’s something we all need as mums.

     

     

    3. Find Your Village – Even If It’s Just a Few Close Mates

     

    Mum life can be isolating, especially in those early months. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s your best friend who’s also a mum, your sister, or a local mum’s group you found online (don’t knock it until you try it), finding your tribe makes a huge difference.

     

    Your support system is your lifeline when it feels like you’re drowning in baby bottles. They’re the people who get it, who won’t judge when your hair is a mess and your baby’s favourite game involves throwing food on the floor. Let them help you hold onto that sense of self.

     

     

    4. When You’re Ready, Reignite Your Career

     

    Whether you were a career-driven powerhouse before baby or just beginning to dip your toes into a side hustle, you might wonder how on earth you can balance that with mum life. Newsflash: it’s totally doable, but you’ve got to do it your way.

     

    Starting small is key. Maybe it’s working from home a few hours a week, picking up a freelance gig, or exploring new career paths that work with your mum schedule. Don’t feel pressured to jump straight back into full-time work if it’s not right for you – but don’t forget that you’re allowed to be passionate about things outside of motherhood too.

     

     

    5. Self-Care Isn’t Just About Spa Days (But They Help)

     

    Self-care is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean when you’re juggling a baby’s needs with your own? It doesn’t have to involve a luxurious day at the spa (although, don’t mind us if you can sneak one of those in). Self-care can be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating something that doesn’t come in a takeout box, or taking a walk when the baby is finally asleep.

     

    It’s about making time for you – even if it’s just 15 minutes of quiet or a cup of coffee in peace. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and yes, that’s a cliche, but it’s true.

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    6. Embrace Your New Superpowers (But Keep the Old Ones Too)

     

    Motherhood will transform you – there’s no denying that. You’ll discover strength you never knew you had (seriously, have you ever seen how much stuff a mum can carry while still managing to function?) and patience you didn’t know existed. But, guess what? You don’t have to leave your old superpowers behind.

     

    Maybe you were once the life of the party, the one who could talk about all sorts of things with anyone. You can still be that person. You just have to carve out moments to let that side of you show. Your new superpowers and your old ones can coexist – it’s all about balance.

     

     

    7. Stop the Comparison Game

     

    Oh, the comparison trap. It’s so easy to scroll through Instagram and wonder why everyone else’s life looks so put together, right? They’ve got their perfectly styled nursery, a spotlessly clean home, and a baby who always seems to be wearing matching outfits. But here’s the truth: no one has it all figured out, no matter how it looks online.

     

    You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t look exactly like everyone else’s journey. So, put down your phone, take a deep breath, and remember that your path is uniquely yours. Stop comparing and start celebrating you – because you’re doing something incredible.

     

     

    8. Allow Yourself to Change (And That’s Okay)

     

    Let’s be real: becoming a mum changes you – and that’s not a bad thing. You’ll evolve in ways you never thought possible. Some of the changes might surprise you, and that’s okay. You might find yourself suddenly obsessed with babywearing (even if you’d previously been anti-baby carrier), or you might develop a soft spot for mum blogs.

     

    Motherhood is a journey of growth. So, let yourself grow and change. The person you were before might be different, but the person you’re becoming is just as important, if not more so.

     

     

    9. Keep the Romance Alive (With Your Partner, Not Just the Baby)

     

    Your relationship with your partner may have shifted since baby came along, and that’s totally normal. But don’t let it completely fade into the background. Date nights, even if they’re in your living room with takeout and Netflix, are a great way to reconnect.

     

    Remind each other that you’re still two people, not just two parents. A little laughter, some quiet time together, and a bit of romance can go a long way in keeping that bond strong while navigating parenthood.

     

     

    10. Celebrate Every Victory (No Matter How Small)

     

    Finally, give yourself credit. Seriously. Whether it’s getting through a particularly challenging day, fitting into an old pair of jeans, or simply finding time for a bubble bath (with or without a baby monitor on), you’re winning. It might not always feel like it, but every little victory matters.

     

     

    Final Thoughts

     

    Becoming a mum is a life-altering experience, but it doesn’t have to mean losing yourself in the process. By remembering who you were before, prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and celebrating your growth, you can maintain your identity while embracing your new role. You’ve got the best of both worlds, so don’t be afraid to keep showing up as you in every stage of motherhood.

     

    And when in doubt, remember: You’re not just a mum – you’re a whole person, with passions, quirks, and everything that makes you uniquely you. Keep that in mind, and you’ll thrive.

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    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

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