The Power of Rest: Why Pregnant, Postnatal, and New Mums Deserve a Break (and How to Actually Take One)

Hey there! As a pregnant or new mum, the idea of rest sounds like a distant dream. Whether you're growing a tiny human, navigating sleepless newborn nights, or juggling the new demands of motherhood, "rest" might feel as elusive as a full night’s sleep. But here’s the thing—rest isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. And for pregnant, postnatal, and new mums? You need it more than anyone.

Rest: More Than Just a Nap

Let’s clear this up right away: being tired doesn’t mean you’re not handling motherhood like a pro. If that were true, every mum would be a hot mess (spoiler alert—we’re not). Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn are some of the most physically and emotionally exhausting experiences in life. And while our society might expect us to keep pushing forward without a break, rest is crucial for recovery, wellness, and just feeling human.

Rest isn't just about lying down with your eyes closed. It's about allowing your body and mind to recover, to recharge, and to process the huge changes happening in your life. Whether you're growing a baby, healing from birth, or trying to navigate the uncharted waters of motherhood, rest is a key part of the equation.

We know you’re busy, but let’s talk about why carving out little moments of rest in your day is so important.

Rest Helps You Recover (And Survive Sleepless Nights)

First off, let’s talk about how pregnancy and childbirth affect your body. It’s a lot, right? Your body needs rest to heal. For pregnant mums, rest is essential for keeping your energy up and managing the physical and emotional changes happening week by week. For postnatal mums, rest is how your body heals after giving birth.

And then, there’s sleep—or the lack thereof. As a new mum, sleep deprivation is just part of the package. The endless feedings, the night wakings, the constant vigilance—it’s exhausting. But even if you can’t get a full 8 hours of sleep, sneaking in short periods of rest can make a huge difference. Power naps, moments of quiet, even just lying down for a bit can recharge your energy and keep you from completely burning out.

Rest Makes You a Better Mum

Here’s the thing: when you’re exhausted, it’s hard to be the calm, patient mum you want to be. When your baby is crying, your toddler is throwing a tantrum, or your partner is asking where the baby wipes are for the millionth time, it’s way easier to lose your cool when you’re running on empty.

Rest helps you respond to these moments with a bit more patience and a lot less frustration. Research shows that sleep and rest improve your emotional resilience, meaning you’ll be better equipped to handle all the curveballs motherhood throws your way. Whether it’s dealing with the ninth nappy blowout of the day or managing the emotions that come with postnatal life, rest helps you cope.

Why Rest Is Harder Than It Sounds

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “Rest? Sure, but when? Between the baby’s needs, household chores, and maybe even work, where exactly am I supposed to fit rest in?”

We get it. Rest feels like the first thing to go when you’re balancing everything else. And if you’re a pregnant or postnatal mum, there’s often a lot of pressure to do it all and be superwoman, even if your body is screaming at you to slow down. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all.

Rest is about prioritising what matters most. Sometimes that means letting go of things that can wait—like folding laundry or answering emails. It also means accepting help (more on that in a minute) and giving yourself permission to rest when you need it. Because if there’s ever a time in your life when you deserve to take a break, it’s now.

What Rest Looks Like for Mums

Let’s be realistic: you might not be able to nap on command. But rest comes in different forms. Here are a few simple ways to sneak rest into your day:

Pregnant mums

If you’re growing a baby, take little moments to put your feet up, sit down, and close your eyes, even for five minutes. Whether it’s during lunch or while binge-watching a series, take advantage of those quiet moments.

Postnatal mums

Rest doesn’t mean lying down all the time. When people offer to help - take it, and try to lie down whenever the baby naps. Even five minutes of doing absolutely nothing counts.

New mums

If you have a newborn, remember that rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply sit in silence while your baby naps can be incredibly restorative.

It’s OK to Ask for Help

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Seriously. Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a friend, ask for help when you need it. Get someone to watch the baby while you take a nap or take a shower. Hire a cleaner for a few hours or ask a friend to bring over a meal.

Accepting help is one of the most powerful ways to allow yourself rest. It doesn’t mean you’re failing or that you can’t handle motherhood—it means you’re smart enough to know that rest is vital to being the best mum you can be.

Rest Is Revolutionary for Mums

In a world that glorifies hustle and busyness, taking the time to rest as a mum can feel like a small act of rebellion. But it’s also an act of self-care, and there’s no better time to take care of yourself than now.

So, if you’re pregnant, postnatal, or navigating life as a new mum, give yourself permission to slow down and rest. It’s not just a luxury; it’s essential for your wellbeing and your ability to care for your little one. You deserve it, and your body and mind will thank you for it.

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