Celebrating Mother’s Day: 5 Self-Care ideas for New Mums

Being a new mum is a beautiful, transformative experience, but it can also be exhausting! Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take a moment to celebrate you and all the hard work you’ve been putting in as a new mum. Practising self-care — whether that’s through gentle yoga, a relaxing bath, nourishing food, connecting with loved ones or a quiet meditation moment — will help you feel more refreshed, centred and ready to embrace the next chapter of motherhood.

Here are five simple ways to help you prioritise your own wellbeing: 

1. Gentle yoga and stretching

As a new mum, your body has been through a lot! Pregnancy, birth and the demands of caring for a newborn all take their toll physically. Yoga is a fantastic way to reconnect with your body and ease any tension you may be carrying. Whether you’re looking to release tightness in your shoulders, lower back or hips, gentle yoga can help improve flexibility, promote circulation and restore balance. You don’t need to be an expert — you can start with a few basic stretches, and just a few minutes a day can make a big difference! Movements like child’s pose, cat-cow stretches and shoulder rolls are great ones to try. And remember, yoga is as much about mindfulness as it is about exercise, so use deep breathing to calm your mind and ease any feelings of overwhelm.

If you’re new to yoga or have limited time, you could join a postnatal yoga class where you can meet other new mums and build a sense of community. My yoga classes are designed specifically for new mums, focusing on postnatal recovery and relaxation (plus plenty of playtime and interaction with the babies). And it’s all about the tea and chat afterwards!

2. Create a relaxing bath ritual

What could be better than sinking into a luxurious, soothing bath after a busy day caring for a small person? It’s a simple thing, but something many new mums struggle to make time for. Even if it's just for 15-20 minutes, soaking in warm water can help ease tight muscles, reduce stress and improve your mood. Wait til your little one’s napping or down for the night, or hand them over to a partner or grandparent for a while, so you can fully relax!

Set the mood by dimming the lights, maybe lighting some candles and playing calming music. For extra indulgence, add some essential oils or bath salts that are safe for new mums. Lavender, chamomile and rose are great choices for their calming and soothing properties.

Take time to breathe deeply, clear your mind, and enjoy this quiet, restorative moment of self-care.

3. Nourish yourself with comforting foods

As mums, it’s so easy to put our babies first and forget about our own needs — especially when it comes to food. But nourishing your body with healthy, nutritious meals is key to maintaining your energy and mood. Motherhood can really take it out of you, so this Mother’s Day, give yourself the gift of some delicious, wholesome comfort food. Opt for meals rich in wholegrains, protein, healthy fats and fresh vegetables. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — just whatever makes you feel good. Maybe it’s your favourite homemade soup, a smoothie packed with fruit and greens, or a hearty salad with lots of colour and nutrients. And if it’s cooked for you by a partner or loved one, all the better!

Don’t forget to stay hydrated too: a big glass of water or a nice herbal tea (I love Myrtle & Maude’s Milk Flow organic breastfeeding tea) can help keep your energy levels up.

And if you feel like just reaching for the biscuit tin, go ahead! You deserve it ;)

4. Connect with others

Sometimes new motherhood can feel a little isolating, especially when you’re spending most of your days with a tiny human who can’t chat back yet! So connecting with other people is so important for your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

This Mother’s Day, take a moment to reach out to someone you trust — maybe a partner, family member, friend or fellow mum from your antenatal group. Whether it’s a quick text, a phone call or even a video chat, social interactions are essential for lifting your mood and helping you feel supported. If you’re part of a Mum & Baby group or postnatal yoga community, why not check in with them, share your experiences or even just have a good laugh. However you’re feeling, you definitely won’t be the only one! 

And if you’re experiencing feelings of loneliness or low mood and feel like you’d benefit from talking to someone, speak to your GP, check out the PANDAS Foundation website or baby & toddler website Happity have some useful resources on post-natal depression. 

5. Take a moment for some mindfulness and meditation

New motherhood is a lot of things — wonderful, exhausting, overwhelming and everything in between! But sometimes, it’s easy to forget to take a breath and just be. That’s where mindfulness and meditation can really help. Taking just a few minutes of quiet time can reduce anxiety, re-centre yourself and recharge your emotional batteries.

Mother’s Day can be a perfect time to slow down and practice mindfulness. Find a quiet space at home where you can sit or lie comfortably. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths and focus on the present moment. Try to let go of all your mental to-do lists and simply connect with yourself. Remember, the goal isn’t to empty your mind completely — it’s just about being present with your thoughts and feelings.

If you’re new to meditation and it feels intimidating, you could try a YouTube guided session or use a mindfulness app (e.g. Headspace) to get you started. Or why not find a local postnatal yoga or Mum & Baby yoga class? The relaxation (or savasana, to get all yogic about it) at the end of my classes is often the mums’ favourite part!

In summary, by taking care of yourself, you’re better able to care for your little one. So go ahead and treat yourself this Mother’s Day! You deserve it.