Reduce Stress and Calm Your Mind in 7 minutes
Our most recent online survey opened a fascinating window on how real mums’ lives change when they have a baby. We look at the first 5 changes revealed by our mums, and consider how to deal with the difficult ones – and make the most of the good ones!
1. Motherhood makes mums’ lives better
The vast majority – 88% – of our mums agreed that their lives were more complete, and half felt that they had become a better person as a result of motherhood.
We say: It’s amazing to feel this way – and something you can hold on to when you’re faced with the inevitable ups and downs of parenthood (and life in general). Why don’t you:
- Tell your children how important they are to you – now and as they’re growing up. It’ll make them more secure as children and as adults. And just telling them you love them boosts – you’ve guessed it – your own happy hormones!
- Harness that feeling and decide what you want from your new life. Having longer-term dreams and plans is great for your emotional wellbeing.
2. Mums are more responsible
Most of our mums (72% overall, and 76% of first-time mums) felt they had become more responsible since becoming a mother.
We say: Of course mums feel more responsible when they become a parent – the trick is not to be too scared by it! The first weeks and months as a first-time parent are when we tend to be most overwhelmed by the responsibility, but don’t worry, as you ease into parenthood and realise how capable you really are, those feelings will diminish. Remember to:
- Be proud of your new status as responsible parent – it’s like getting a promotion (and you’ll never be fired!).
- Have the courage of your convictions. You’re unique, so don’t compare yourself to other mums – just trust yourself and approach motherhood your way.
3. Mums are also more worried
Most of our mums (73% overall and 86% of first time mums) felt more worried about the future.
We say: Being concerned about the future is another mark of your responsibility, so try not to let it overwhelm you. Your concern is natural and allows you to tackle any issues that you’ve identified as in need of a fix, with or without the help of family, friends or experts. So remember that:
- You’re not alone – look at how many other mums are worried too! And we’ll bet that your mum still worries about you, too.
- You can share your worries with friends and family, so don’t fret alone.
4. It’s stressful being a mum…
Six in 10 (63%) of our mums said that motherhood had made them more stressed.
We say: Again, not a surprise as parenthood tests our powers of organisation, persuasion, patience, ability to do without sleep…and the rest. But don’t accept stress as an inevitability; instead, why don’t you:
- Take some simple steps to relieve stress, such as physical activity and socialising.
- Plan some ‘me time’ as an important part of your day (find some great ways to treat yourself).
- Check out this advice from the NHS
5. Mums are more aware of their behaviour
Around 67% of our mums (and 75% of our first-time mums) have become more aware of how they behave and what they say.
We say: Scrutinising our own actions is yet another manifestation of those feelings of additional responsibility – fascinating, isn’t it? And it’s a good thing as our children learn directly from us how to behave, what language to use and what habits to adopt. So why don’t you:
- Take this opportunity to kick your bad habits.
- Picture how you DON’T want your children to behave (think table manners, nose-picking etc) – and if you do any of those things, you know what you have to do….
Enjoy making the most of the changes in your new life!
Want to answer this survey too? We’re keeping it open, so go to