Melatonin for Postnatal Sleep: Benefits, Limits, and Safer Ways to Boost Your Own Production
Postnatal sleep can feel like a puzzle that’s constantly missing a few pieces. Between night feeds, hormonal changes, and the emotional load of caring for a newborn, many mothers look for safe and natural ways to support better rest. One of the most commonly searched tools is melatonin—a hormone deeply connected to sleep.
But what’s actually known about melatonin for postpartum women? Does it appear in breastmilk? Can it influence your baby’s sleep? And what are safe, evidence-based ways to support your own melatonin production without relying on supplements?
Why the Vagus Nerve Matters in Pregnancy — and How to Support It
Most of us think of pregnancy in terms of hormones, scans and growing bellies — but there’s another biological system quietly shaping how your body adapts, responds to stress, and even how you feel emotionally: the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve — also called cranial nerve X — is the longest and one of the most important parts of the parasympathetic nervous system. It acts as a major communication highway between your brain and your organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It helps regulate involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, inflammation, and immune responses.
The Science of Self-Care in Pregnancy, Postpartum & Motherhood: Why It Matters for Both Mother and Baby
Pregnancy, the postpartum period and early motherhood are often described in emotional terms — joyful, overwhelming, transformative — yet they are also some of the most physiologically demanding stages of life. Behind the scenes, a mother’s body is navigating profound hormonal shifts, nervous system changes, tissue healing, disrupted sleep and an increased cognitive and emotional load.
In this context, self-care is not indulgent. It is biologically necessary. Increasingly, research shows that when women are supported to regulate stress, rest and recover — alongside receiving appropriate medical care — outcomes improve not only for mothers, but for babies and families too.
Why Self-Care and Investing in Yourself Matters
Self-care isn’t just a trendy phrase; it’s essential. It’s not about being selfish or indulgent—it’s about keeping myself sane, healthy, and happy so I can be the best version of me for my kids, my partner, and myself. And honestly? It’s been a game-changer. Here’s why I’ve started prioritising myself and why I believe you should too.
The Relationship Between Parenting Stress and High Cortisol Levels: Understanding and Managing Stress for Healthier Parenting
The third trimester is an exciting but intense time, as you prepare both mentally and physically for the arrival of your baby. Self-care becomes more essential than ever as your body and mind gear up for the demands of childbirth and the postpartum period. Incorporating nurturing, relaxation-focused self-care rituals into your daily routine can help you stay balanced, relieve discomfort, and promote calm as you approach birth. Here are some self-care activities, gentle exercises, and preparation tips to support you in the final trimester.