By Amanda Fondow, MA, LPC, R-DMT
Motherhood is a demanding and transformative experience, and it can leave you feeling disconnected from your pre-motherhood identity, including your sense of womanhood.
Here’s the important thing: becoming a mother doesn’t erase your womanhood; it adds a beautiful and powerful new chapter to it. Here are some ways to reconnect with yourself:
- Redefine “Womanhood”: What does womanhood mean to you now? Is it strength, resilience, nurturing love? Reframing motherhood as a powerful aspect of your womanhood can be empowering.
- Focus on Self-Care: Feeling depleted makes it hard to feel sexy or fulfilled. Schedule time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes for a bath or reading a book.
- Reconnect with Your Partner: Make time for intimacy that doesn’t have to lead to sex. Schedule date nights, cuddle on the couch, or rediscover shared hobbies.
- Explore Sensuality: Sexuality is more than just intercourse. Explore ways to feel good in your own skin – try a new perfume, wear something that makes you feel confident, or take a relaxing bath.
Remember, you’re not alone. Many moms experience a shift in their sexuality after having children. Here are some resources that might be helpful:
- The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/ – Offers resources on communication and intimacy in relationships.
- The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center: http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/ – Provides information on building healthy, fulfilling relationships.
If you feel overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself, consider talking to a therapist specializing in postpartum issues.
Motherhood is a journey, and reconnecting with your sexuality is part of that journey. Be kind to yourself, prioritize self-care, and remember, you are a woman, a mother, and strong. You can have it all, even if it looks different than before.
