Becoming a mom is a life-changing experience and no matter how much you prepare for that big moment, it can take some time to adjust and find your new mom confidence. New research reveals just how long it actually takes for women to settle into their new lives as moms.
A recent survey conducted by OnePoll found that it can take almost 14 weeks for women to feel like they’ve gotten into a groove with their new roles as moms. The study examined the confidence levels of 2,000 new moms during the first few months after giving birth. Over half (53 percent) said that time was mostly spent worrying about their abilities as a mom.
photo: adi saputra via Unsplash
A recent study published in the journal Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare had similar findings. The research revealed that it can take up to six months for moms to gain confidence. “About 25% of first-time mothers experienced a period with low maternal confidence, low maternal mood and high parental stress; yet, for most mothers, their confidence, mood and stress improved in the first 6 months after birth,” the study’s authors wrote.
The first few weeks as a new mom can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences unlike any you’ve had before. Learning how to care for your baby and balance your new role with your previous responsibilities can be challenging and as the research shows, it’s completely normal to to take some time to adjust.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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