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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Northern Beaches Midwifery
Northern Beaches Midwifery offers the gold standard “Continuity of Care”. As a mother, Registered Nurse, Endorsed Midwife & Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I offer the guidance and support you need in the postnatal period. Here’s how I can assist you:
Personalised Support Every mother-baby duo is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. Which ever way you choose to feed your baby, breastfeeding, mixed feeding or formula, if this is your first time or have prior experience, I’m here to help you overcome any challenges.
Comprehensive Knowledge I stay current with the latest research and best practices in lactation and responsive parenting. From latching techniques to concerns about milk supply, settling baby and the normal newborn behaviour can be very confusing. I’m ready to answer your questions and provide evidence-based solutions to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.
Emotional Support I understand that a newborn baby can be an emotional journey. Alongside practical assistance, I create a caring and nurturing environment where you can freely discuss your concerns. I’m here to listen and encourage you throughout the process.
Flexible Appointments I offer both in-person visits and online virtual consultations to suit your preferences. I can schedule appointments at times that work best for you, whether you’re at home or on the go.
6-Week Postnatal Care Packages After the birth of your baby and following your hospital discharge, I will visit you at home to provide support and guidance, ensuring a successful confident start to your parenting/breastfeeding journey. Research shows that women who receive support during this time tend to breastfeed for longer. Individualised postnatal packages attract a Medicare rebate if you are within the 6-week postnatal period.
Post-Consultation Care My commitment to your journey doesn’t end with one session. If you choose, I offer ongoing support and follow-ups to help you thrive as you continue your breastfeeding experience.
Don’t let breastfeeding and challenges hold you back. Let me support you in this incredible bonding experience with your little one. Contact me today to book your personalised consultation and discover the keys to successful breastfeeding, and confident parenting
Together, we’ll make your journey fulfilling for both you and your baby! Every mother deserves the best start.
Sing High Sing Low
Sing High Sing Low – Singing for Mums & Bubs With Fiona Maria – Singing Facilitator, hearted-centred Community Builder
When was the last time you felt nourished and held?
Hi, I’m Fiona Maria, founder of Sing High Sing Low. I offer gentle, joyful singing spaces where women of all life stages can simply be. No pressure, no performance—just breath, song, and connection.
My Women’s Singing Circles run in Summer Hill, Bondi, and coming to Crows Nest in September. These are not your usual mothers’ groups. We gather in calm, welcoming spaces to sing simple songs learned by ear—soothing, repetitive melodies that settle the nervous system and invite us home to ourselves. We layer up some harmonies as the mood of the day takes us. Shy singers, “non singers” and karaoke divas are all welcome!
Together we (re) connect to our voices and ourselves.
How it’s different to other “mums & bubs” groups
Many baby classes focus on entertaining your child. This is different. These sessions nourish you, the mother, the woman. When you’re calm, connected, and resourced, everyone benefits. You’ll leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and able to manage what life throws at us.
Women’s Singing Circle is open to women of all life stages—because we know it takes a village, but we don’t always know where to find one!
Why Singing with Your Baby Matters
Long before language, babies are wired to respond to your voice. Singing regulates their heart rate, lowers stress, and builds secure attachment.
And it helps you too—singing reduces anxiety, lifts your mood, and brings a deep sense of connection.
This is not a performance. It’s a practice—one that is a timeless part of the human experience. For generations, mothers sang to soothe their children, mark daily rhythms, and build community. But in our modern world, this shared singing culture has been lost. I’m here to help bring it back.
A Little About Me
I’ve spent over 20 years singing, performing, and facilitating voice work in community and workplace settings. As a trained Singing Mamas leader, I bring a model rooted in care, inclusion, and the science of sound and wellbeing.
You’re warmly invited. Come with little ones—or just as you are.
Nurture & Thrive Sleep
When you’re tired, confused, overwhelmed and even frustrated about sleep, it can just about rob your joy as a Mum. And then that pressure about there being ‘one right way’ and wading through conflicting guidance. My name is Annie and I’d love to help you find YOUR right way with YOUR unique baby, family and situation. Without sleep training, without being told to ‘wait it out’ and without limiting one-size-fits-all ideas that ignore the evidence about infant and child sleep.
Learn about the support you didn't know you needed.
We have cherry picked the most useful resources for your fourth trimester so that you don't have to waste precious hours searching.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
How to Talk About Sharing the Mental Load with Your Partner: A Complete Guide
In many households, the mental and emotional work of managing a family, often called the invisible load, falls disproportionately on mothers. It's not just about doing tasks; it's about carrying the mental checklist: remembering appointments, organising activities, planning meals, and anticipating everyone's needs. Over time, this invisible mental load can lead to resentment, overwhelm, and burnout.
Article - Louise Barton & Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
Why Motherhood Feels So Hard
Dear Mama, We see you. We see the way you pour yourself into motherhood, the way you carry the weight of the world while still showing up with love and strength, even when you feel like a shadow of yourself. As a society, we sit here adding to the pressure, adding to the load and, let's be brutally honest - failing you miserably every step of the way. We owe you an apology.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood
Do I Need a Postpartum Doula? Here’s What They Really Do
"Do I Really Need This?" It’s a question so many new mums ask, often in the quiet chaos of the fourth trimester. “Do I actually need a postpartum doula? Isn’t that a bit... extra?” When your body is sore, your hormones are surging, and you’re running on fragments of sleep, it’s not about luxury, it’s about being held while you hold your baby. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, touched out, or just bone-tired, this blog is your starting point. Let’s demystify the role of a postpartum doula and help you decide if they’re the kind of support you’re craving.
eBook - Jaclyn Carlson (Jaclyn Carlson)
Emotional Toolkit – For Back to Daycare & School
Sending your little one off to daycare, kindergarten or back to school brings up all the feels—relief, pride, grief, sadness, and maybe even a little anxiety. This transition can be even trickier when there is a new baby in the family. You’re not alone in this.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
Not Sure What You Need After Baby Arrives? Start Here
The truth is, most mums aren’t told how to prepare for the fourth trimester, the raw, tender, and transformative time after birth. You might feel sore, sleep-deprived, disconnected, or emotionally all over the place. And that’s completely normal. But it doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. This blog is your gentle starting point, a guide to the kinds of support you may need (and deserve) after baby arrives.