Why motherhood feels lonely…
Motherhood can be one of the most isolating and lonely periods in a woman’s life. New mothers often report feelings of abandonment and isolation, despite the fact that they are almost never physically alone. For many it can be hard to identify the reasons for this. Here are 10 reasons why motherhood feels lonely for many women.
10 Reasons Why motherhood feels lonely for so many women:
1. Your partner may not be as supportive as you had hoped. You may feel like you are carrying the load of taking care of your child.
2. You may not feel as if you can openly speak about you experience of birth to anyone, particularly if your experience was traumatic, or if you feel disappointed in your experience despite it being everything you had wanted. You may also be experiencing the ongoing affects of birth-related injuries that you are dealing with alone.
3. You relationship with your partner has changed from what it was previously. Days and nights are now centered around caring for your child, with little space for connection or want for intimacy with your partner.
4. You may feel anxious at leaving the house alone with your child, keeping you from venturing out to meet other mothers.
5. You may have less money now to socialise. Reduced income may see you unable to participate in socialising in the same way that you used to.
6. You may feel too tired to socialise. Sleepless nights, as well as the emotional and psychical toll of raising a child is exhausting.
7. You may not feel confident in breastfeeding in front of others.
8. You no longer have work colleagues around you, whom were an important part of your life.
9. Friends seem too busy with their own lives, or don’t yet have small children so don’t fully understand what it’s like to be at home all day with little ones.
10. You may feel as if you’re the only mother struggling and compare yourself to others. You see other mothers on social media or in your neighbourhood, seemingly coping easily with caring for their children whereas you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious inside.
It could be any of these or all of these. Or something completely different. Either way, it’s not easy. 10 reasons why motherhood feels lonely for so many women… the ironic part is, if you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.
My name is Fiona Rogerson and I am an ACA accredited Perinatal and Trauma Counsellor, and Hypnobirthing (Mongan Method) Educator. I work with women and men to overcome emotional and psychological hurdles surrounding conception, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting and identity. I am also available to provide professional development training and workshops to various organisations. I am based south of the river in Perth, working across two location or via zoom for remote clients, and can be contacted by email at fiona@fionarogerson.com.au or phone 0402 017 425 or via my contact page. Find me on Facebook and Instagram.
