Nurturing Mothers:
The Social Dimension of Maternal Well-being
Dear Fellow Mama!
Welcome back to my blog, I am honoured to have you here.
In previous posts I have already talked about the physical and mental-emotional aspect of our multidimensional health. In today´s post I would like to explore the social health for mothers, another crucial layer of our multidimensional health.
Social connection is a cornerstone of our general wellbeing
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy for mothers to prioritize the needs of their families over their own social connections. However, nurturing meaningful relationships is vital for maternal well-being in every dimension.
Social health is all about the quality of our connections and the impact they have on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It's like the glue that holds our holistic health together.
It is the aspect of well-being that relates to how we interact and form relationships with others. It involves our ability to communicate clearly, respect boundaries, show kindness, and adapt to different social situations.
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
The Importance of Social Support for Maternal Well-being
As mothers, we thrive on the support of our social networks. Whether it's our partner, family, friends, or fellow parents, having a strong support system can significantly impact our mental and emotional health. From sharing parenting tips to providing a listening ear during challenging times, social connections play a crucial role in helping us navigate the journey of motherhood.
Balancing Motherhood and Social Engagement
Finding balance between our roles as mothers and our social lives can be a challenge. Between diaper changes, school runs, and household chores, it's easy to neglect our own need for social interaction. However, prioritizing time for social activities is essential for our overall well-being.
I know it from my own experience how easy it is to fall into a vicious circle where you prioritize everyone else´s needs over your own.
Also, the exhaustion from sleepless nights and endless worrying and caring for other human beings can take all your energies and it is so easy to say “I am in no mood or have no energy for going out” and end up being isolated.
After a burnout I learnt the hard way that as caregiver I must find time for spending time away from our little ones, so I can recharge my batteries, I can disconnect from the daily routine and for a little time, I can be Eva and not Mama.
Start small, an organize a short afternoon meeting with a friend of yours somewhere near to your place. Even if you can spend just an hour or a two away from home will have a huge impact on your general wellbeing.
“You owe yourself the love that you so freely give to others.”
The Impact of Social Isolation on Maternal Health
Social isolation can take a toll on maternal health, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Factors such as relocation, lack of support networks, and societal pressures can contribute to feelings of isolation among mothers. It's essential to recognize the signs of social isolation and take proactive steps to combat it. Reach out to friends, family, or community organizations for support, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Technology can be a great help here. When my daughters were very young (3 years and newborn) I used to connect with other mothers on Facebook groups.
For example, one of our daughters is a high need child and from the day she was born she has needed a lot of attention. She needs physical contact, requires company most of the time and she slept very little (30 minutes naps even when she was a newborn). In the beginning it was very frustrating not being able to leave her on her own, not being able to disconnect or be on my own for 10 minutes.
I thought I was doing something wrong as a parent.
But when I found a Facebook group of parents with high need kids, I felt relieved and felt supported. It was great to connect with other parents who were in the same situation and not being judged or told that I was spoiling my kid and that is why she was asking for so much attention.
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
Cultivating Supportive Communities for Mothers
Communities play a crucial role in supporting mothers on their journey. Whether it's through parent support groups, online forums, or neighbourhood meetups, connecting with other mothers can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Initiatives that promote inclusivity and support for mothers of diverse backgrounds are essential for creating nurturing communities where all mothers feel valued and supported.
Nurturing the Social Dimension of Health
Incorporating social well-being into our health journey is essential for overall maternal wellness. Take time to nurture your social connections, whether it's through phone calls, coffee dates, or shared activities with other parents. Practice self-compassion and prioritize your own needs alongside those of your family. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
By prioritizing our social connections and fostering supportive communities, we can enhance our mental, emotional, and physical health as mothers.
Remember, you're part of a community of strong, resilient women, and together, we can support each other through the joys and challenges of motherhood.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
If you wish to learn more about the social aspect of your multidimensional health and wellbeing I invite you to join me on my podcast called “In Harmony with Vitality”. On episode 7 “The Heartbeat of Well-being: Exploring Social Health” with the show´s co-host Marta we dig into this topic providing you with more details and useful tips and tools, so you can start to care for your social health.
🎙️ Listen here 🎧
With much love,
