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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The Growth Room
Hi, I am Angelina — a Clinical Perinatal Psychologist, HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Matrescence Educator. With a passion for women’s health and perinatal psychology, I recognise the perinatal period—from preconception through to parenthood—as a time filled with both immense wonder and incredible challenges.
I founded The Growth Room, a space inspired by my own transformative journey into motherhood, including my second pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. My personal experiences of navigating motherhood, particularly in the face of isolation and uncertainty, deepened my understanding of the holistic support women need during this life stage. As a result, The Growth Room focuses on providing education, nurturing, and mental health support for women navigating the profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes of pregnancy and motherhood.
In addition to psychological therapy for women in the perinatal period, in which I adopt a strengths-based, collaborative therapeutic approach, The Growth Room also offers childbirth education through HypnoBirthing courses. These courses help expectant mothers and their partners feel empowered and prepared for birth through relaxation techniques, guided visualisations, and education.
The Growth Room focuses on acknowledging the emotional, mental, and physical changes that occur during pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, creating a nurturing environment where women can access both therapeutic support and practical tools like HypnoBirthing to foster a supported transition to motherhood.
At The Growth Room we are passionate about creating a therapeutic space where women can feel empowered, reflect on their experiences, and grow in confidence as they navigate pregnancy, birth and motherhood.
Swoop Baby
Swoop Baby is your trusted partner for all things baby sleep. Founded by Sarah Clifton, a certified infant and toddler sleep specialist and mother of two, we help families establish healthy sleep habits from newborn through toddlerhood.
“We believe sleep should be a positive experience for both baby and parent. It’s not just about better sleep; it’s about reducing stress and helping parents enjoy the journey.”
– Sarah Clifton, Founder & Sleep Specialist
At Swoop Baby, we offer personalised, science-backed sleep solutions, guiding families through everything from the fourth trimester to sleep regressions and age-appropriate routines. Our holistic approach addresses sleep environments, feeding and nutrition, sleep associations, independent sleep, soothing techniques, and a variety of settling methods to create tailored sleep plans that meet each family’s unique needs.
We provide both in-home and remote support, including our ‘Newborn Nights’ service, which offers overnight care from a trained newborn care specialist, giving parents much-needed respite. Our ‘Fourth Trimester Program’ ensures a smooth and positive transition to parenthood.
Our mission is simple: to bring confidence, support, and consistency to families when it’s needed most—at sleep time. Whether you’re establishing your baby’s first routine or tackling toddler sleep challenges, we’re here to help your family thrive, night after night.
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.
Watch - Elisha Wildblood and Louise Barton - (Not Another Onesie)
In Conversation With Frances Bilbao from Mums Matter Psychology
The 'perfect mother' myth: What is it and why does it exist?
Article - Courtney Wilton (Nourished Psychology)
Maternal Rage – What Triggers It and How to Find Relief
Understand the triggers behind maternal rage—sleep deprivation, lack of support, and loss of self-identity and discover simple self-care strategies and support systems that can help you manage stress and find relief. Ever feel intense anger as a mother? Uncover the triggers behind maternal rage and explore practical tips to reclaim your balance and self-care.
Article - Polly Watson (Nurtured Lactation)
Worried About Breastfeeding? Here’s How to Make the First Weeks Easier.
Struggling with breastfeeding in the early days? Learn how to overcome common challenges, establish a strong milk supply, and set yourself up for a smooth breastfeeding journey with expert-backed tips and support strategies
eBook - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood ( Not Another Onesie)
Mama’s Guide to Prepping for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond
Mama’s Guide to Prepping for Birth, Pregnancy & Postpartum is your ultimate pregnancy and postpartum guide designed to help you feel informed, supported, and ready for every stage of motherhood. Covering key topics for each trimester, birth preferences, a hospital bag checklist, breastfeeding tips, and essential postpartum care, this downloadable PDF is packed with expert-backed advice and practical tools.
Article - Elisha Wildblood and Louise Barton (Not Another Onesie)
The Silent Struggle of Motherhood
Becoming a new mother is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be very challenging.