Mom Moments: How Small Breaks Boost Wellbeing During Pregnancy and Postpartum
When you picture “me time,” what comes to mind?
A long bath, a solo walk, a coffee date where no one calls your name every five seconds?
For most mums, that kind of time feels impossible. Between feeding schedules, broken sleep, and the endless mental load, “me time” starts to sound like another task on the to-do list - something we’re failing to achieve.
In one conversation with other mums, someone said something that shifted how I thought about “me time.” It’s not really about finding more hours in the day - it’s about noticing the small moments we already have. That’s where the idea of mum moments came from.
What are ‘mum moments’?
Mum moments are the small, quiet pauses you take throughout the day - the kind that help you breathe, reset, or check in with yourself.
It’s not a spa day. It’s sipping your tea while it’s still hot.
It’s sitting in the car for two extra minutes before you walk inside.
It’s choosing to stretch your shoulders after a feed instead of scrolling.
These moments might be tiny, but they matter. They remind you that you exist outside of the noise.
Why small moments make a big difference
When you’re pregnant or postpartum, your body and mind are under constant pressure. Hormones shift. Sleep disappears. You give, and give, and give until you forget what being still feels like.
Research shows that even short bursts of mindfulness can lower cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation. But beyond the science, these micro-moments reconnect you to yourself - the version of you who’s more than just “mum.”
And you don’t need an hour. You just need 60 seconds of intention.
5 simple mum moments to try today
1. The deep breath reset
Before you open your phone in the morning, take three slow, intentional breaths. Notice how your chest rises and falls. It’s the quickest way to ground yourself before the day begins.
You can even start your morning with a pregnancy or postpartum meditation inside the Carea app when your mind feels overstimulated or you need a mental reset.
2. Hot tea check-in
Next time you make tea or coffee, don’t multitask. Just sip it. Notice the warmth. Let your mind rest. It’s a reminder that small comfort is still comfort.
3. Mindful scroll pause
If you catch yourself doom-scrolling, put your hand on your heart instead. Ask yourself, What do I need right now? A glass of water? A stretch? A message to a friend? That’s your cue.
4. Two-minute tidy, two-minute still
After you’ve tidied a small space - even if it’s just stacking the bottles by the sink - sit down. Do nothing. Breathe. Let yourself stop for a second before the next task.
5. End-of-day release
Before bed, note one small thing you did for yourself today. It could be brushing your hair, texting a friend, or getting outside. If you use Carea, you could write a sentence in your journal - a gentle reminder that your care counts too.
Why mums struggle with stillness...
When we talked about “me time,” most mums admitted they didn’t actually know how to enjoy it anymore.
We’re so used to being needed that silence feels strange, even guilt-inducing. But taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your family. It’s how you show up for them with more patience, presence, and strength.
You don’t have to be still for an hour. You just have to notice yourself again.
How Carea can help
That’s where Carea comes in. The app helps you turn everyday pauses into moments of calm - whether it’s through guided meditations, gentle affirmations, or jotting down a few thoughts in the in-app journal. The Mum Tracker lets you check in with how you’re feeling, physically and emotionally, so even on busy days, you’re reminded that your wellbeing matters too.
This is your reminder to have a ‘mum moment’ today…
Motherhood isn’t about earning rest. You deserve it simply because you’re human and you’re doing something extraordinary.
So start small. Find one mum moment today.
Take a breath. Sip the hot tea. Sit in the car.
And remember: even the smallest pause is enough 💚
FAQs
1. Why do I feel guilty taking time for myself as a mum?
Because society still tells mums their worth comes from doing everything for everyone else. But real motherhood requires boundaries and rest. It’s not selfish to recharge; it’s survival.
2. What are quick ways to relax when I don’t have much time?
Try micro-breaks: deep breathing, stretching, journaling, or listening to a short meditation in the Carea app. Even one minute of stillness can lower stress.
3. How can I make “mum moments” part of my daily routine?
Attach them to things you already do like feeding, making tea, or tidying up. Over time, these small pauses become a natural part of your rhythm.
