From Sleepless to Supported: A New Approach to Maternal Self Care
- kanturanicky
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Pav Desai, Sleep Consultant, Little Dreams St Albans and Herts Central
In the early days of motherhood, there’s an unspoken message: “It’s not about you anymore.” While caring for a newborn naturally demands a mother’s full attention, this narrative often pushes her own needs - especially sleep - to the back burner.
The Sleep Struggle Is Real - And So Are Its Effects
Chronic sleep deprivation isn’t just an inconvenience, It’s a mental health issue. Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety, fuel postpartum depression, and chip away at emotional resilience. The phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps” sounds simple in theory, but without consistent sleep patterns for your little one, those moments can be few and far between.
How Does Your Baby’s Sleep Support Your Wellbeing?
Prioritising infant sleep is actually an act of self care. When your baby sleeps well, you sleep better. That rest isn’t just about feeling less tired - it’s about restoring your body, regulating your mood, and recharging your ability to parent with patience and presence.
Establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby creates pockets of predictability in your day. That structure, even if it’s flexible, can help you find time to eat, rest, connect with others, or just breathe. These small moments of self care build the foundation for better maternal mental health.
Practical Ways To Prioritise Sleep
Let’s be honest, as mums we are often told to “rest more” without being told how. Here are a few realistic strategies that can help:
• Create a realistic bedtime routine for yourself. Even a short wind-down ritual can cue your body for rest.
• Protect your first stretch of nighttime sleep. Try going to bed early for at least a few nights a week to maximise the first (and often longest) stretch of uninterrupted sleep.
• Nap when your baby naps - without guilt. Housework can wait. Your mental health can’t. Even if you struggle to actually sleep, just having some quiet time to rest can help your mind and body recharge.
• Split nighttime responsibilities. If you have a partner or support person, take turns or assign “on duty” nights when possible.
• Ask for help and accept it. Whether it’s a friend holding the baby for an hour or a professional supporting you with their sleep, you don’t have to do it all alone.
It’s Not Selfish, It’s Sustainable
Helping your baby sleep better isn’t just for their benefit, it’s for yours too. Let your aim be for the longer term - to thrive and not just survive!
Ready to Make Sleep a Priority?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate sleep struggles by yourself. As a certified sleep consultant, I use gentle, evidence-based methods rooted in science and attachment to help you and your little one get the rest you both need and to support your wellbeing.
Book a free, no obligation 15 min call today and let’s talk about a plan that supports
everyone in your family sleeping better.
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