Managing the rollercoaster of emotions in early motherhood can feel like a daunting task. There is so much adjustment, learning and surrender that is required and often very little support available to navigate the massive changes that this phase brings.
Yet emotions act like a gauge, keeping us aware of what works, what doesn’t, where our needs are met and where they aren’t. Tuning in to the emotions that arise and learning to work with them, can allow new mothers to regain a sense of control and keep overwhelm at bay.
Beware of the positivity trap
Did you know that our emotional system works in the same way as our immune system? It allows in what is nourishing and keeps out what is not. Our emotions directly impact our nervous system and making sure that they move through as needed is key to staying mentally and physically healthy.
In the realm of holistic mind/body connection, cultivating positive emotions such as compassion, mindfulness, gratitude, is often the place we’re told to start. However, I’ve noticed with my clients, time and again, that they often can’t easily access these until they start addressing the backlog of repressed emotions which haven’t yet made their way out of their system.
“Suppressing emotions takes a great amount of energy and limits access to joy as
well.” Tami Lynn Kent
In our culture, we tend to overemphasise keeping stress under check and staying
calm at all costs, even though it means repressing healthy emotional response as a
result.
Tears help us process grief and sadness. Healthy anger used as a boundary defence
helps us protect what is precious in our life, the things that matter.
Practicing healthy emotional release as a new mother
So, what can you do to support your nervous system, your mind and your heart to thrive as a new mum?
Practice healthy emotional release. Here are some ways you can do it, and by the same token, support your overall health and wellbeing.
- Put words on what you’re feeling: speak it out loud or write it down. Try not to get stuck in replaying the event in your mind. Instead, focus on identifying the emotions behind the event that triggered you. If you can, follow the sensations in your body as you describe what you’re feeling.
- Get your needs met: an unmet need will often trigger anger and resentment. We live in a world where motherhood is unfortunately not valued and supported adequately. As unfair and disheartening as it is, if we can tune into ourselves enough to identify our needs (for rest, for support, for recognition, etc.) and voice them, we can feel empowered again as we get them met. Every time you feel overwhelmed by frustration, anger, sadness, ask yourself: “what is it that I need right now?”.
- Try therapy or coaching: it can be beneficial if you’re not comfortable accessing your emotions or body sensations on your own or it there’s a history of trauma. It is especially helpful if you’re struggling to identify your needs or ask for help.
- Consider body work: suppressed emotions get trapped in the body. Holistic therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic, yoga, acupuncture, can help release emotional blockages and support a healthy immune system.
- Use this journaling prompt: where in your life are you not saying no? A great way to gain insights into the areas where you may need to set stronger boundaries in order to address stuck emotions.
And remember the 90-second cycle! According to neuroscience, it takes 90 seconds for the chemicals released by an emotion to flush out of the body. Train your attention so that you don’t get hooked by the thoughts that keep you stuck in the emotion, but instead notice it, breathe through it and watch it move out. This short video by Dr Joan Rosenberg explains this process and I also highly recommend her
book here as a resource to support you.
If you’re keen to stay in shape mentally and emotionally, if you’re going through challenging times and need support to regain clarity, build your confidence and sense of empowerment as a new mother, please reach out. I offer introductory sessions to get to know each other before diving deeper. More about my work here.
You may also be interested in...
Dr Claudia Nicholson
Having served the Sydney community for more than 25 years as a General Practitioner, I am passionate about the health and well-being of women, children, parents, and families, and feel strongly a good GP relationship provides a foundation of support, information & education, communication between health practitioners, and care.
I believe it is not only physical and mental health that contributes to our state of wellness, but also the strength of relationships in our lives, and the families and communities to which we are connected.
As a sports woman who runs and swims regularly and a yoga instructor (Sydney Sports Stadium) I am an advocate of preventative and proactive lifestyle choices, and am comfortable combining evidence based medicine with holistic care.
In this regard, I work closely with allied health professionals involved in my clients care including Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Nutritionists etc… and welcome this important aspect of optimising health outcomes. This is particularly important in the areas of child health, fertility, pregnancy and postnatal care, maintaining a modern, fresh, comprehensive and relevant approach.
Leah Sizeland
I’m Leah — an intuitive and compassionate postpartum doula and Overe practitioner in specialised kinesiology, based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
I offer new mothers deep reverence and nourishing support as they begin life with their baby—gently guiding them through the powerful transition from maiden to mother, known as matrescence.
As a devoted mother myself, and a skilled practitioner in specialised kinesiology, heart centered bodywork, women’s rituals, ie closing of the bones, mothers blessings and women’s circles.
I understand and have seen first hand how vitally important it is for a woman’s whole being to be tended to on all levels—physically, emotionally, energetically, and mentally. So there can be less anxiety, fear, and overload and more joy, understanding, celebration and connection.
I support women both in person through postpartum visits and online, across the globe, at every stage of life. My work is grounded in the sacred seasons of birth, postpartum, and beyond, through the lens of specialised kinesiology, bodywork, and feminine ritual.
I help you shift limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and unravel negative thought patterns—while guiding you back to a deep connection with your unique essence. I hold a very safe, sacred space for you to reconnect with yourself as you shapeshift through the profound rites of passage that womanhood presents.
Areas of passion and support
- Postpartum journeys – in-home visits – 4 or 6 weekly
- Specialised kinesiology sessions
- Womans circles
- Mother’s blessings
- Bodywork
- Closing of the bones
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 - Narelle Dickinson ( Lotus Health and Psychology)
Is This Normal? The Emotional Rollercoaster of Pregnancy and Motherhood.
Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum is something many mothers don’t expect to struggle with, but it's more common than we think. In this interview with Lotus Health and Psychology, we explore what perinatal mental health support really looks like, why anxiety is often overlooked, and how to take the first steps even when you feel like you’re running on empty. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or years into motherhood, these insights might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.
Article - Fiona Maria (Sing High Sing Low)
The Surprising Power of Singing Together: A Mums Group with a Difference
I started Sing High Sing Low to create spaces where women of all life stages could connect, unwind, and experience the joy of shared song. The work I do is inspired by the beautiful model developed by Singing Mamas in the UK, which has been recognised by the World Health Organization for its positive impact on perinatal mental health and maternal wellbeing.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
Is a Nesting Party the New Baby Shower Trend in Australia?
Wondering what a nesting party is? Discover why this baby shower alternative is becoming the go-to trend for Australian mums-to-be. As more expecting parents seek meaningful support over tradition, the nesting party is emerging as a powerful, practical, and heartfelt way to gather around the mother, not just the baby.
Article - Courtney Wilton (Nourished Psychology)
When and How to Seek Mental Health Support as a Mum
Discover the early signs of postpartum distress that often go unnoticed and learn when and how mothers should seek mental health support. From baby blues vs. depression to finding the right therapist.
Article - Julia Jones (Newborn Mothers)
What is a Doula?
Today, a doula is typically someone who acts as a hub of support, referrals and resources for a person during a major life transition, usually related to birth. Doulas have a holistic approach that considers both mental and physical well-being. Services vary significantly but can include emotional reassurance, information based on scientific evidence, and comfort techniques like massage and nourishing food. The role is not medical, and doulas cannot treat, diagnose or cure any disease.