14/08/2026
There’s more than one way to be tired after having a baby.
Did you know there are actually 7 different types of rest — and in those early weeks, everyone in the family may need a bit of each.
Physical rest — sleep, yes, but also sitting down, lying down, not rushing recovery and letting someone else do the jobs.
Mental rest — fewer decisions. Someone else deciding what’s for dinner, remembering what needs buying or keeping track of appointments.
Sensory rest — babies are noisy, homes get busy and everyone can feel touched-out. Ten minutes somewhere quiet, putting your phone down or having a shower alone can help.
Emotional rest — being able to say this is hard without someone immediately trying to fix it. This matters for both parents.
Social rest — spending time with people who leave you feeling better, not people you have to host. It’s also completely fine to say no to visitors.
Creative rest — fresh air, music, reading a few pages of a book, sitting in the garden. Something small that isn’t feeding, nappies or washing.
Spiritual rest — whatever gives you a sense of connection or meaning. That might be faith, nature, meditation, community or simply a little quiet.
4 tiny things to try in the postpartum weeks:
1. Take ten minutes completely alone when you can — no baby, no phone, no jobs.
2. Give each other a protected lie-down, bath, walk or shower each day — even if it’s only 15 minutes.
3. Take decisions off the table. Repeat easy meals, say no to things and keep plans minimal.
4. Notice what kind of tired you are. Sometimes what you need isn’t sleep — it’s quiet, company, space, fresh air or simply not being needed for ten minutes.
Save this while you’re pregnant — it might be useful at 3am one day!
