Becoming a new mom can be overwhelming. You’re balancing household responsibilities, work, or school, all while caring for a newborn. It’s exhausting, both physically and mentally. In addition to nurturing your baby, you’re also going through many physical changes after childbirth. Motherhood can feel incredibly isolating, especially when trying to manage a changing routine, overwhelming responsibilities, and keeping up with your education or job. Some moms may feel they need to handle it all alone, while others might struggle with feelings of helplessness.
Amid all of this, it’s important to remember that self-compassion is key. Just as your baby needs care, so do you. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary for your well-being. When you take time to care for yourself, you’re better able to support your baby and maintain a sense of identity.
The Struggles of Motherhood
The first week after birth can be full of emotional ups and downs, as you experience the “baby blues” a mixture of joy, fear, anxiety, and sadness due to hormonal changes. Sleep deprivation from late-night feedings can make it even harder to think clearly and handle daily tasks. Your home may seem chaotic, with laundry piling up and dishes waiting to be cleaned. You might feel as if you’re constantly behind.
It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with postpartum depression. At times, you may feel like you’re drowning, unable to keep up, or like no one truly understands what you’re going through.
Being a mother can feel like:
· Juggling endless responsibilities—laundry, cooking, cleaning, and caring for your baby.
· Losing your sense of freedom, with everything revolving around your newborn.
· Trying to meet unrealistic standards of motherhood, often fueled by social media and societal expectations.
· Longing for your pre-baby life, where you had more personal time and could pursue your own goals.
· Struggling with sleep deprivation and mental fog, feeling like you’re just getting through the day.
· Transitioning from being an individual to a caregiver who is solely responsible for your baby’s needs.
Prioritizing Yourself as a New Mother
Motherhood brings a significant change to a woman’s life—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. The responsibility to care for your baby, while also trying to maintain other aspects of your life, can feel daunting. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure, and it’s okay to seek help.
The journey to finding a rhythm with your baby takes time. No mother is an expert right away, and it’s normal to feel lost in the beginning. As you get to know your baby and establish routines, you’ll start to feel more confident. However, balancing motherhood with everything else requires prioritizing your own needs too. Self-care is not just a luxury, it’s essential. When you nurture yourself, you’ll be able to manage your responsibilities more effectively.
Developing Self-Care Habits
Self-compassion is the foundation for building a healthy lifestyle. As a mom, being aware of your emotions and practicing time management are invaluable skills. By giving yourself space to breathe and focusing on your needs, you can maintain a sense of self.
Here are some ways to practice self-care:
· Release Perfectionism: Don’t set unattainable expectations based on what you see on social media or in movies. Motherhood is not about perfection; it’s about being real and taking things one day at a time.
· Ask for Help: It’s okay to rely on your partner, family, or friends. Sharing responsibilities can lighten your load and help you feel more supported.
· Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your emotions and what you’ve accomplished. This simple practice can help you understand your feelings and find areas where you can improve.
· Get Outside: A walk in nature, even with your baby, can refresh your mind and help regulate your hormones.
· Create Alone Time: Whether it’s in the morning, evening, or another time that works for you, set aside moments for yourself to reconnect with your inner self and relax.
· Read Empowering Books: Invest in books that inspire and motivate you as a mother. These will help you build confidence and offer new strategies for navigating motherhood.
· Engage in Hobbies: Pursue personal goals or hobbies you enjoyed before becoming a mother. Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself.
· Catch Up on Sleep: Take naps, when possible, even if it’s just a short power nap while your baby sleeps. Rest is crucial for mental and physical well-being.
· Spend Time with Loved Ones: Make time to connect with friends and family. Quality time with your partner can also help you feel grounded and supported.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
Motherhood is a unique experience for every mom, but it’s particularly challenging for young mothers trying to balance school, work, and other responsibilities. While it’s natural to feel like your priorities have shifted, remember that you are still important. Don’t lose yourself in the process of being a mother.
By developing time management skills and incorporating self-care into your routine, you’ll begin to see a shift in how you feel and manage your day-to-day life. Let go of the idea of perfection. Embrace your imperfections and give yourself the compassion you deserve. When you care for yourself, you grow, bloom, and become a happier, more empowered mother. The key to being a great mom is self-love and self-empowerment. By caring for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to care for your baby and embrace all that motherhood has to offer.
About the Author
Sources
“Postpartum depression.” Mayo Clinic, 24 November 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
Poirot, Lissa. “9 Hardest Things About Being a New Mom.” The Bump. 6 March 2024, https://www.thebump.com/a/life-with-a-newborn
Monica. “Motherhood and Self-Awareness: How Being a Mother Impacts One’s Personal Growth.” MetaMonica, 3 May 2023, https://metamonica.com/motherhood-and-self-awareness-how-being-a-mother-impacts-ones-personal-growth/
“Losing Yourself in Motherhood.” Spiral and Bloom, Accessed 14 March 2025, https://spiralandbloom.com/2024/09/03/losing-yourself-in-motherhood/
Jena, Haley. “18 Self-Care Ideas For Moms That Aren’t Just ‘Take Shower.’” https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/you-and-your-health/self-care-ideas-moms
About the Author, Amber Khatri
Amber Khatri is a volunteer blogger for South Project. She lives in New York City and holds a B.A. in Creative Writing with a minor in Studio Art from The City College of New York. Amber is an aspiring writer who shares her stories on platforms like Wattpad and engages with fellow book lovers on her bookstagram account. In addition to her writing, Amber is a self-taught painter and freelance henna artist. She enjoys exploring different creative outlets and is passionate about building her skills while contributing to meaningful causes like South Project.