25 affirmations for mothers for a positive mindset

AD| If you know me in real life, you probably think I’m the last person that would write about affirmations for mothers! There are some trends that I’ve never gotten onto, such as manifestation, self-care and affirmations. I guess I see myself as quite a logical person who sees things in black and white. And I see those things as more spiritual. I know those things work for many people, but it’s not for me.

So why bother with affirmations? 

Recently, I realised that since becoming a mum, I’ve been using affirmations without even realising for:

• My postpartum body/weight loss journey
• Struggles of motherhood
• What I say to my son

Although it’s something I’ve never really bothered about doing before, I now tell my son affirmations every day. When we get up, we stand in front of the mirror and I tell him how wonderful, beautiful, kind, clever and smart he is. I want him to grow up knowing his worth. I want him to know how special he is.

I also want him to grow up with a mother who knows her worth, too.

I got pregnant before the first lockdown, gave birth shortly after the second lockdown and spent the third lockdown with a newborn. I gained 3 and a half stone during my pregnancy. I’ve been doing some exercise and taking Leo to baby swimming lessons. I have a stone left to lose.

My body has changed so much. 

My body is so different to how it was before pregnancy.

I have stretch marks on my thighs and stomach, my boobs are bigger. My legs are thicker, I’ve got more fat and less muscle than before I was pregnant. My clothes do not fit. My face looks fatter. My arms look big. My summer clothes do not fit me. I have bags under my eyes and my skin looks tired and dry because my wonderful little boy does not seep very well!

I am not feeling very confident in my body. Although I’m okay with the changes my body has gone through and I am so thankful to my body for carrying a baby boy full term – it doesn’t mean I feel good about myself.

I don’t want my son to see that. I do not what him to think I hate myself, that I don’t like my body or that I have negative thoughts about myself. I want to set a good example so he has a healthy body with his body, with food and with his own mind. I know I’m never going to be a perfect mother, but I know there are things I can do to set a great example for my boy.

He’s 6 months today and starting to communicate. I have no idea how much language he understands, but I’m positive he can understand some things. So here are some affirmations I’m telling myself this summer as a new mother.

Affirmations for parenting confidence

It’s not just about being a good example for my son. It’s also about reminding myself to be kind to myself. Giving myself grace and space to grow as a mother. There’s so much mum guilt out there. There are so many things you could do better. There’s comparison, worry and self-doubt. There’s the older generation telling you the ‘new advice’ is wrong and you should follow theirs because ‘it didn’t do my baby any harm’ and the need to constantly justify your parenting style and choices and be so draining.

It’s insane to me how many times I’ve had to justify myself for not leaving my baby to cry until he is so exhausted he falls asleep alone when all he needs is to be close to his mother and fall asleep feeling warm and loved.

This starts from pregnancy with the unsolicited parenting advice, people rolling their eyes at you and saying ‘trust me, that won’t work, you need to do it THIS way. I could write a whole blog post about that, and probably will!

If there’s ever a time where you’re going to doubt yourself, it’s in motherhood. It’s really important to take care of yourself and remember that you can’t fill every cup!

So whether you need to stand in the mirror and say these affirmations for mothers out loud or just have a quiet think about them in your head while you’re nursing your child back to sleep (or bottle feeding if that’s what you decide), then here are some things to remember.

Affirmations for mothers:

1. Bad days don’t make bad mums
2. My baby deserves a happy mother
3. I know I have made the best choice for my child
4. My body has grown a beautiful baby and carried him for 9 months, it’s amazing.
5. I am my child’s safe space.
6. I trust my maternal instincts
7. I won’t be sleep deprived forever
8. A messy home is a happy home
9. I know what my baby needs
10. The sleepless nights are only temporary
11. I’m giving myself selflessly and completely to my child
12. I become more confident as a mother each day
13. My children need to see their mother happy
14. I am my child’s whole world
15. My baby does not care about my flaws
16. Housework and laundry can wait, the important thing is taking care of my child
17. I won’t let my insecurities make me doubt myself
18. I can give my child everything he needs
19. I’m creating positive memories with my child
20. Wanting time alone to recharge doesn’t make me a bad mother
21. I need to take care of myself in order to take care of my child
22. I am strong and powerful
23. My stretch marks are a reminder of how amazing my body is.
24. I do not need to justify my parenting choices to others.
25. Breastfeeding is hard but it is the right thing for me and my baby*

*Please note – breastfeeding is the right and best thing for me and Leo. Not everyone is able to breastfeed and not everyone wants to. This affirmation can be changed to. Bottle feeding/expressing/combifeeding. Whichever you have decided is the best thing for you and your baby.

Why everyone should do affirmations. 

With lockdown restrictions easing, we’re now getting ready to enter the world again. Summer is on its way, which means less clothes and more flesh. Some people have used lockdown as a time to take up exercise, running, weights and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Others have gained weight.

Affirmations can be used by anyone and anyone, no matter what your circumstances. I really love this post on singledisabled about body positivity with chorionic illness. That’s just one example!

Everyone should feel great about themselves!

But another thing to remember is that you can love yourself and your body while wanting to change it. It’s okay if you want to lose 10lbs. It doesn’t mean you hate yourself. It’s okay if you don’t want to lose 10lbs. It’s about loving yourself regardless.

It’s all about telling yourself positive affirmations and taking care of your needs, as well as your family’s needs!

If you want to go one step further, then read this post on everyday affirmations, how to glow up or how to be more body confident.

Hope you’ve enjoyed these affirmations for mothers – what is your favourite affirmations?

Check out this post: How To Stop Giving a Shit