New Mum Burnout And Tips for Self-Care

Becoming a new mum is an exciting and life-changing experience. However, it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and stressful. New mums often find themselves trying to juggle multiple responsibilities, such as caring for a newborn, managing household chores, and possibly working outside the home.

All of this can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can impact overall well-being.

Factors Contributing To New Mum Burnout

New mum burnout can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Lack of sleep:

Newborns often wake up frequently during the night, which can make it difficult for new mums to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration.

Increased responsibility

Caring for a newborn can be a full-time job in itself, which can leave new mums feeling overwhelmed and stressed. On top of this, they may also be responsible for managing household chores and possibly working outside the home.

Lack of support

New mums may feel isolated and unsupported, particularly if they are the primary caregiver for their baby. Lack of support can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes after giving birth can contribute to mood swings and feelings of anxiety or depression.

Unrealistic expectations

New mums may have unrealistic expectations about what motherhood should look like, which can contribute to feelings of failure or inadequacy.

Tips for Self-Care

If you are a new mum, it is important to take steps to care for your own well-being.

Here are five tips to help you avoid burnout and stay healthy:

Prioritise self-care

Though it might feel difficult, try as much as you can to make time for yourself each day, even if it's just a few minutes to relax, take a bath, or read a book. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it's necessary for your own well-being.

Seek support

Reach out to family, friends, or a support group for new mums. Having a support network can help you feel less isolated and overwhelmed. 

Get enough sleep

While it may be challenging, try to get as much sleep as possible. If your baby wakes up frequently during the night, try taking naps during the day when your baby is sleeping.

Adjust expectations

Recognise that motherhood is not always easy, and it's okay to ask for help or take a break when needed. Adjust your expectations and focus on small accomplishments rather than trying to do everything perfectly.

Take care of your physical health

Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make time for regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Taking care of your physical health can also help improve your mental health and overall well-being.

New mum burnout can be a challenging experience, but there are steps you can take to care for yourself and avoid burnout. Prioritise self-care, seek support, get enough sleep, adjust expectations, and take care of your physical health. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to care for your new baby and enjoy this special time in your life.