Here with You, Mama

I Love My Baby, But I Miss Myself: Normalizing Postpartum Identity Grief

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Have you ever looked at a photo from your pre-baby life and felt a lump in your throat? Maybe you've whispered to yourself, “I love my baby more than anything… but I miss who I was.” If so, you are not alone, and you are not a bad mom.

In this episode of Here With You, Mama, we’re talking about the quiet grief of early motherhood: mourning your old life, identity, and freedom- without guilt or shame. Dina shares her own story of identity loss after becoming a mother, explains the concept of ambiguous loss, and offers a compassionate, therapeutic framework to help you hold both your grief and your joy.

Because, mama… this isn’t just a loss. It’s a transformation.

Whether you're grieving your career identity, your spontaneity, your relationship, or the simple freedom to sip coffee alone- this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and whole again.

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
  • Why it’s normal to miss your pre-baby life (even if you love your child deeply)

  • The emotional toll of “ambiguous loss” in motherhood

  • How to release guilt and honor your full experience

  • The power of “Both/And Thinking” in healing postpartum identity grief

  • Practical ways to reconnect with your pre-motherhood self

  • A compassionate framework for transformation—not erasure
    • 🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned:
    • Self-Compassion Practice: The “hand on heart” pause

    • Both/And Framework: For holding joy and grief at once

    • Episode 7: Lonely But Not Alone – Finding Connection in Early Motherhood

    • Coaching Program for New Moms: Learn more here
      • ❤️ If this episode resonated…

      Please take 30 seconds to rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more mamas find this support.

      And share this episode with a friend who needs to hear:
      ✨ You haven’t disappeared. You’re transforming. ✨

      With love,

      Dina

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      Here with You, MamaBy Dina Tamres