Self Care for new Mums: Navigating Postpartum Challenges

Becoming a mother is one of life’s most profound transformations. While it’s a time filled with immense love and joy, it can also be accompanied by unexpected challenges that deeply affect our sense of self, body image, and ability to prioritize self-care. For us new mums, cultivating self-love can feel like an uphill battle amidst the demands of caring for a newborn.

Even as someone within the health & wellness industry experience and expertise - I also needed to be reminded that nurturing myself is not selfish—it’s essential. And by exploring the common postpartum challenges and sharing practical self-love and self-care tips in this blog, you’ll hopefully regain a more compassionate relationship with yourself as you navigate this new chapter.

Pregnancy and childbirth bring dramatic changes to your body. Whether it’s stretch marks, a softer belly, or like me, recovering from a C-section, it’s easy to feel disconnected from our postpartum body. These changes definitely challenged my confidence and made it difficult to see my body as it had always been - strong and beautiful. It helped me to remember that change is the only constant thing and along with all of the different stages for our babies, the same applies to us as mothers.

I found that embracing my postpartum body with compassion by focusing on what it has accomplished rather than how it looks made a difference. I’ve literally grown and nurtured a new life—I can celebrate that! 

A tip that was passed onto me was to invest in clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident, no matter my size . So, if you are able to, purchase yourself at least one new item that fits your shape now. For me it was a pair of new jeans that still made my butt look good but for you it could be a new bra, dress, a top you’d been eyeing off during pregnancy. A gift for yourself and a way to celebrate your body for what it is capable of. 

Postpartum hormones can bring mood swings, heightened sensitivity, or even postpartum depression or anxiety. These emotions may make it harder to prioritize self-care, especially when you’re already feeling overwhelmed. I went through the baby blue hormone dip a few days after birth, and again reminded myself that it was normal to go through this, and it was temporary.

I was never diagnosed with PPA or Rage, but I’m sure I went through it (still do now at 14 months pp). With the changes to my hormones, lack of time for myself and the loss of simple self-care rituals I found myself struggling and was “not my best”. Social media and societal expectations added pressure to “bounce back” physically, emotionally, and even professionally. I found myself comparing myself to other mums—and to my pre-baby self—which inevitably began to erode my self-worth.

As a new mum, taking care of yourself is the foundation for showing up fully for your baby. But there needs to be a release of the pressure to go all gund blazing immediately after birth, or 3 months pp or even 12 months pp. There’s no time limit to the recovery of preganancy, the physical birth and emotional rollercoaster that follows it all. 

Start small with introducing your self care rituals back in. Dedicate even 5–10 minutes a day to something that fills your cup.

I know this can be challenging for some of us but Ask for help. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, let others support you so you can step away for a moment of care.

Prioritize rest without guilt - Remember, your well-being is as important as any chore on your to-do list.

Talk openly about your feelings with trusted loved ones, a therapist, or a support group for mums. I’m convinced i may not have survived some moments of motherhood without my mothers group! 

Practice self-compassion. When negative thoughts arise, dont shove them away rather, approach them with love & kindness. For example, replace “I’m failing” with “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”

Set some internal boundaries around comparisons by limiting time on social media if it leads to feelings of inadequacy and remind yourself that every mum’s journey is unique, and there is no “right” way to do it.

Later down the track you can begin to reconnect with your identity beyond Motherhood (I would not rush this part in particular!) Reflect on hobbies or passions you enjoyed before becoming a mum and explore ways to reintroduce them, even in small doses. Schedule time for activities that remind you of who you are as a person—not just as a parent.

The postpartum period is both beautiful and challenging, filled with moments of joy and self-discovery. By intentionally prioritizing self-love and self-care, you create space for healing, confidence, and connection with your new role as a mother. Remember, loving yourself isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about acknowledging your worth, embracing your journey, and showing your child (and your own inner child) the power of self-respect.

You are doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Be kind to yourself—you deserve it.