On the Contrary, It’s a Necessity
When you’ve just had a baby, everything revolves around that little human. Feeding, changing, soothing, rocking... Motherhood demands so much of you.
In survival mode, it’s easy to forget yourself. But now more than ever, self-care is essential — not a luxury, not a reward, but a vital condition for healing and well-being.
In this blog, we’ll explain why self-care isn’t a bonus, but a lifeline in the postpartum period.
What is self-care, really?
Self-care simply means: caring for yourself. It sounds obvious, but for many mothers, it feels selfish or unimportant. Especially when everyone keeps asking about the baby, but not about you.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day or a full beauty routine. It often lies in the little things: taking a shower in peace, eating a proper meal, or just breathing for ten quiet minutes without a baby on your chest.
Self-care means recognizing that you matter too. That your body and mind deserve attention. That you can only care for others if you also put yourself on the stage sometimes.
Why is self-care so important after giving birth?
1. Your body is recovering
Giving birth is both a physical and emotional feat. Your muscles, organs, and hormones all need time to rebalance.
Self-care helps support this healing process. Rest, nourishment, warmth, and relaxation are just as important as your medical checkups.
2. Your mental health is under pressure
The combination of sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and huge new responsibilities can be overwhelming.
Many women feel anxious, down, or overstimulated. By consciously building in moments of stillness and reflection, you help prevent burnout.
This isn’t weakness — it’s protection.
3. You carry many invisible loads
From feedings and diaper changes to managing visitors and remembering everything — the mental load of motherhood is heavy and often unseen.
Self-care also means setting boundaries, saying “no,” and asking for help.
Not everything needs to rest on your shoulders.
4. You deserve it
Now that you’ve become a mother, it might feel like everything should revolve around your baby — but you matter just as much. You shouldn’t lose yourself in the process.
Everyday Self-Care: Small but Powerful
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can weave it into your day with small rituals:
Morning
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Drink a glass of water before anything else.
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Do 5 minutes of breathing or gentle stretching.
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Put on clothes that feel both comfy and beautiful.
Afternoon
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Eat a nourishing lunch (not just leftovers from your child).
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Text or call someone who truly gets you.
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Give yourself permission to pause, even briefly.
Evening
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Do something calming — like a warm foot soak or reading a few pages.
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Write down 3 things you’re grateful for, no matter how small.
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Close your day with intention, even if you’ll be up again soon.
Social Media and the Illusion of Self-Care
On Instagram and TikTok, self-care often looks like lattes in the sun, face masks in fluffy robes, or tidy homes with glowing candles.
But in real postpartum life, self-care often looks messier:
Saying no. Turning off your phone. Giving yourself permission to do the bare minimum.
Don’t be fooled — self-care doesn’t have to look beautiful to be valuable.
Sometimes it’s crying in the shower. Sometimes it’s asking for help.
Sometimes it’s doing nothing at all.
Self-Care is Not Self-Optimization
There’s a fine line between caring for yourself and feeling pressured to improve yourself.
Society whispers: “Bounce back. Be strong. Work on your mindset.”
But self-care is not a project. Not a checklist. Not a goal to achieve.
It’s about feeling what you need, and honoring that — without guilt.
Don’t let self-care become another expectation you have to meet.
It’s not performance. It’s presence. It’s coming home to yourself.
Self-Care in Different Situations
Every mother’s reality is unique. What self-care looks like will depend on your family, environment, and support system.
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Single mothers: Try micro-moments — 3 minutes of deep breathing while the baby naps, or asking a neighbor for a hand.
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Moms with multiple kids: Plan solo moments when the older ones are at school or with grandparents.
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Small living spaces: Create a self-care corner — a chair with a blanket, a plant, a book — where you can breathe and just be.
Common Pitfalls in Self-Care
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Trying to do it all alone: Let others in.
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Waiting for the "perfect" time: Start small — five minutes is enough.
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Comparing yourself to others: What works for her may not work for you — and that’s okay.
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Putting it off: Don’t save it for later. You need it now.
A 30-Day Self-Care Challenge for New Moms
Want to make self-care a habit? Try this simple 30-day challenge:
Day 1: Drink 2 liters of water
Day 2: Say “no” 3 times without explanation
Day 3: Write 1 page about how you’re feeling
Day 4: Take a nap
Day 5: Ask someone for help
Day 6: Shower without rushing
Day 7: Step outside for 10 minutes
Day 8: Read a chapter of a book you enjoy
Day 9: Turn your phone off for 2 hours
Day 10: Make a playlist that brings you joy
Day 11: Say out loud what you need
Day 12: Sleep during the day if you can
Day 13: Let someone else cook
Day 14: Snuggle your baby with no other goal
Day 15: Watch a feel-good show
Day 16: Tidy a corner that brings you calm
Day 17: Listen to a podcast that inspires you
Day 18: Drink your favorite tea and breathe deeply for 5 minutes
Day 19: Let your emotions flow, without judgment
Day 20: Be proud of what you did get done today
Day 21: Make something creative (write, knit, sketch)
Day 22: Enjoy one hour of me-time
Day 23: Lie down, even if you can’t sleep
Day 24: Look at old photos that make you smile
Day 25: Apply your favorite body lotion
Day 26: Talk to another mom — honestly
Day 27: Go offline for 15 minutes
Day 28: Eat something you love, guilt-free
Day 29: Remind yourself that you are enough
Day 30: Plan your next moment just for you
The Role of Your Support System
Self-care isn’t a solo act. It’s okay to ask for help and to speak up about what you need.
Whether it’s someone cooking a meal, helping with housework, or just being there to listen — your support network plays a crucial role.
Make it a conversation. Self-care shouldn’t be taboo.
The more normal we make it, the more space mothers will have to truly recover.
Essentuary’s Vision on Self-Care
At Essentuary, we believe postpartum self-care is not optional.
That’s why we create products that truly make a difference — from comfortable birth and nursing gowns to soothing maternity pads. No frills, no fuss — just what you really need.
Our mission is to put mothers at the center, to break the silence around the raw reality of the postpartum period, and to support women in a time that is powerful, vulnerable, and everything in between.
And finally… Be gentle with yourself.
You don’t have to have it all together.
It’s okay to be tired.
It’s okay to need help.
It’s okay to put yourself first — even if only for a moment.
Self-care is not a luxury. It’s the foundation you build on.
For yourself, and for your baby.
