Tips to avoid maternal burnout
Perfectionism is not a healthy habit. Even less so when it comes to motherhood, unless you’re keen to rub shoulders with overwhelm, resentment, rage and the feeling of never being satisfied, which can eventually lead to maternal burnout.
Here is the new mantra you can adopt to preserve your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing when faced with the demands of mothering, working and everything in between: “Good enough is the new perfect”.
Beware of the Good Mother
The good mother is the one who does it all, preferably all at once, never raises her voice, always indulges in self-sacrifice…and does not exist! Most of us carry a lot of unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs about what a good mother is and does. So, next time you catch yourself thinking that you “should” be on top of it all, that you “should” do something productive while your baby is sleeping, that you “should” do every single pick up and drop off, think twice. Said who? Whose voice do you hear when the “should” shows up? Is it serving you or is it overwhelming you?
Learn to say no
Sometimes we forget that we are in control and can decide what we say yes to and what we say no to. If we want to stay sane and raise children who have healthy boundaries, we need to role model that behaviour ourselves. Here, it helps to think about what really matters, the values that are important in this season of your life. Once you have identified them, use them as a compass to navigate the decisions you make, no matter how mundane or challenging.
Connect with other mothers
Isolation is one of the major causes of stress for mothers. Find women to connect with and have genuine conversations about what it is really like to juggle the competing devotions that we need to wrestle with as women and mothers. This can help you normalise your feelings and bring a sense of community back into your life.
Redefine strength
Our culture defines strength as the ability to push through, be constantly “on”, do more, deliver: the perfect cocktail for burnout. What if you embraced a more balanced definition of strength, one that invites you to recognise your needs and respect them? One that gives you permission to delegate, rest, ask for help, get support through coaching, therapy or other holistic practices, prioritise your wellbeing and nourishment?
Mothering is not a walk in the park. It’s normal to not like every single day of your life as a mother, even though you may feel like you’re expected to. Ambivalence is part and parcel of being human, of being a parent, especially in a society that doesn’t value motherhood and is not set up for parents to thrive and feel supported along the way. Learn to own your new gifts and skills as a parent and be kind to yourself: you’re going through a process of transformation, learning and growth like no other.
If you’re interested in resources to help you navigate your mothering journey with more peace and confidence, I created a mini audio series with tips and tools I’ve gathered from my work and personal experience as a mother. You can download it here.
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MAMA Midwifery Practice
MAMA believes that pregnancy, birth, and early parenting are life-changing experiences – and that every mother and family deserves care that is personal, compassionate, and empowering. Their team of passionate midwives and dedicated practitioners provides holistic antenatal, birth and postnatal care across Melbourne, with the main hub located in Kensington, Victoria – the first centre of its kind in the state.
Founded by midwives Kelly Langford (16 years’ experience) and Jan Ireland (over 40 years’ experience), MAMA combines generations of midwifery wisdom to serve the community. They are supported by a network of practitioners, support staff, volunteers, and past clients who have become part of the MAMA family, all working together to provide individualised care for birthing people and their families.
MAMA’s care model is grounded in respect, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. They view mothers as active partners in their care, offering guidance, information, and support so each woman can make informed decisions about her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Whether serving as primary carers or working alongside obstetricians, GPs, or allied health professionals, the focus remains on achieving the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
As endorsed midwives and eligible Medicare providers, MAMA offers rebates for antenatal and postnatal services, making high-quality private midwifery care more accessible. Their services include antenatal care, home and hospital birth support, postnatal midwifery support up to 8 weeks, lactation consultations, birth education, VBAC support, birth trauma debriefs, and more – always tailored to each family’s needs.
MAMA’s mission is simple yet powerful – to walk alongside families through one of life’s most profound journeys, providing the expertise, reassurance, and connection needed to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Your birth, your story, your MAMA.
Mikaela Duffy Naturopath & Bodyworker
Hi! I’m Mikaela, a degree trained naturopath & nutritionist, and bodyworker specialising in supporting women & families in key transitional life stages. My aim is to help create the village of care for your individual needs. I offer confinement techniques for a variety of home visit packages including those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
Perfect for –
* new mums who would benefit from visits that gently support the healing process post birth
* those wishing to receive traditional post partum treatments &/or massage
* any woman from 1 day to 1 year after birthing that needs nurturing & care
* mums who are struggling emotionally or physically with their parenthood journey
* those who have birthed naturally or via C section (various tailored treatments available)
* women who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss
Using science & traditional wisdom combined, and over 17 years of clinical experience, I provide a gentle caring presence in your home, and can offer from a range of services –
* Naturopathy consult and advice for recovery, healing & lactation support
* Nutrition support, recipe ideas, supplement reviews
* Herbal body treatments – relaxing belly wraps for birth recovery, body swaddling, yoni steams, herbal baths/foot soaks, moxa
* BodyTalk/Reiki treatment (helpful for new mum anxiety, settling & birth trauma release, pregnancy loss)
* Massage techniques for recovery & relaxation – including C section scar work
* Blood test reviews/referrals to ensure wellness, healing and optimum mental health
* Closing of the bones ceremony (rite of passage)
Packages available – individually tailored to your needs, & timed to suit you over weeks or months
Mums in Bloom
Hi, I’m Mandy — a registered perinatal psychologist, mum of three (including a new baby born in 2025), and the founder of Mums in Bloom.
I support pregnant and new mothers who are finding this season more emotional, confusing, or isolating than they expected. If you’ve ever thought, “I love my baby, but I feel like I’m falling apart,” you are exactly who I support — and you are not alone.
With over a decade of experience in psychology, my work focuses on the real inner world of motherhood — the mental load, identity shifts, emotional ups and downs, and pressure to do it all “right.” I bring both my professional background and personal lived experience to create a space where you feel seen, validated, and supported.
At Mums in Bloom, I offer gentle resources for both pregnancy and postpartum, including:
🌸 Free guides for third trimester prep and those “not-what-I-expected” early weeks
🌸 Low-cost seminars on body image and postnatal mental health
🌸 A beautifully supportive 8-week online program for first-time mums in the first 6–8 months postpartum
🌸 A mini guide for partners to help them show up, step in, and stay connected during this major life transition
Whether you’re feeling anxious, flat, overwhelmed, or just unsure who you are anymore, I’m here to walk alongside you. My support is gentle, practical, and free of judgment — like chatting with a mum-friend who gets it, but with the expertise to back it up.
I believe motherhood was never meant to be done alone. Let’s make sure you don’t have to.
I am a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and fully registered with AHPRA.
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