7 Types of Rest Every Postpartum Mama Needs

Hey mama! In the early weeks and months after birth, your body, brain, heart, and spirit are all doing some seriously heavy lifting. Postpartum isn’t just a physical recovery, it's a full-body, whole-life transformation. When sleep feels like a distant memory understanding the different types of rest can be a game-changer!

We’ve all heard the advice: “Sleep when the baby sleeps” and while that’s well-meaning advice, and we recommend doing that as much as you can, any new mama knows it’s not always possible. The good news? We’ve said it before and we will say it again; Rest is a revolutionary act in terms of societal demands on mamas. And resting isn’t just about an 8-hour sleep, here are 7 ways to rest and recharge when a deep sleep might not be an option;

1. Physical Rest

The obvious one, but not just about sleep. Physical rest means not doing anything. It’s lying down, breathing deep, and relaxing all your muscles. Take 15-20 minutes an give yourself permission to stop. If this means prepping ie getting a load of laundry on so you can mentally rest too then so be it - do what you need to do to physically switch off for a few minutes and be still. 

• Let yourself be horizontal.
• Nap if you can, but also: recline, stretch, float in a bath, or just sit without multitasking.
• Your body grew and birthed a human, you are recovering. You’re allowed to go slow and take your time.

2. Mental Rest

Postpartum brains are on 24/7: feeding logs, appointment times, nappy counts, remembering which boob was last…

Mental rest is about quieting the noise.

• Write things down (instead of holding it all in your head).
• Decision fatigue is a thing! Let someone else make a decision. 
• Give yourself permission not to respond to that message right now.

Less mental load = more space to breathe.

3. Emotional Rest

Whether you’re crying into your weetbix or floating on newborn love, your emotions are running the show. And that’s normal.

Emotional rest comes from:

• Feeling what’s real without judgment.
• Having someone to talk to who truly sees you (not just “mum”).
• Letting go of the pressure to keep it together all the time.

You don’t need to be strong 24/7. Softness is strength, too.

4. Sensory Rest

Noises, crying, constant touch. The brightness of the day when you haven't slept.

Sensory overload is real, and draining. If you can find a little bit of nature to sit with this is often a beautiful way to reconnect into our senses and be at ease. We read somewhere there have been several studies that have found  listening to birdsong can improve mental health and mood! So get outside if you can for a few minutes or turn on bird sounds.

• Dim the lights.
• Go tech-free for a bit.
• Pop in some earplugs or sit in silence while the baby sleeps.

Your senses deserve a break, too.

5. Social Rest

It’s okay to take it easy on the social engagements mama! It’s especially important in the early days. Prioritise your needs for connection but don’t over do it. Ie social spaces that build your village are great but you don’t need to host, or hang out with people who deplete your energy.  

• Saying no to visitors who make you feel like you have to “host.”
• Creating boundaries around your time and energy.
• Choosing to be around people who nourish you, not deplete you.
• Giving yourself space to be on your own even if its 5 minutes.
• Protect your peace.

6. Creative Rest

You are still you, mama, not just a milk machine or a nappy ninja.

Creative rest might look like:

• Journaling - expressing out what needs to be released.
• Taking a photo that isn’t of the baby.
• Making something with your hands, just for joy.
• Moving your body in a way that feels good.
• Spending time in nature.
• And anything else you can think of! Even 10 minutes of creative rest a day can reinvigorate a tired mama!

Engaging in creative rest is about reconnecting to yourself, outside the role of “mum.” What are the things you were doing before baby that light you up? Explore these creatively! Do a little each day. 

7. Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest is that quiet exhale when you feel connected to something bigger. A sense of meaning. A reminder that you’re not alone. Zoom out and visualise the bigger picture.

• Sit in nature and notice.
• Connecting with creativity.
• Light a candle.
• Breathe deep and say to yourself, “I am held.”
• Anything else that connects you to spirit. 

Your soul deserves care, too.

Rest Isn’t a Luxury, It’s A Necessity  

In our go-go-go world, we’ve been taught that rest is a reward for productivity. But in postpartum, rest is the work. It’s not lazy. It’s not optional. It’s how we rebuild. So mama, if you’ve been wondering why that 20-minute nap didn’t touch the sides, this might be why. Rest isn't just one thing. And you deserve all seven kinds.

Tell us: which kind of rest are you craving most right now and how you might find a few minutes for it? And if you’re looking for support check out our Postpartum Recovery Guide & Shop!