Gentle wellbeing tips for new mums in Kent
Before we jump in, I have to tell you: I got a little help writing this blog. While I spend my days photographing the sweetest newborns and their incredible mums, I’m not a mum myself. So, when it came to writing this, I knew I needed a mum who’s been there. Because while taking a bubble bath may sound nice (and the ultimate go-to self-care tip!), that’s probably not so helpful to you right now, as a new mum.
I reached out to a lovely mum I know, who has a three-year-old and remembers those early newborn days all too well. She kindly shared the advice she’d give her new mum friends who asked (and what she wishes she could go back and tell herself!).
But before we start, I want to take a moment to say this: You are wonderful. The love, patience, and strength I see in every mum who steps into my studio always leaves me in awe. And while I always say: you deserve to be celebrated (and Kent newborn, older baby & cake smash photography is a beautiful way to do this), I also know that gentle celebrations are often in the simplest ways we keep ourselves well.
So this, new mum, is for you. I hope you enjoy these tips.
Know your support network
This might be the most important tip of all. Who are the people you can turn to for help — whether that’s practical support (cooking dinner), a listening ear (a kind shoulder to cry on), or just someone to remind you that you’re loved, you’re doing great and people are here for you? It could be your partner, family, friends, or even a WhatsApp group of other mums who just get it.
And if you’re looking for local connections, Kent has some fantastic mum meet-ups. Heading to local Facebook groups (Sittingbourne has a local town one, as I am sure other towns do, too!) is a great place to start. You can also download the Peanut app and search for local community boards.
Prioritise rest & connection time
Sleep isn’t something that comes easily when you’ve got a little one, whether they’re two weeks old or 7 months old. It’s completely normal that sleep is broken. Normal, but hard.
This is why rest (not sleep!) is such a good focus. Of course, sleep is the best but practically it isn’t always going to happen — and fighting against this can leave you feeling exasperated.
The next best thing for new mums is recharging your body and mind — moments of stillness, days with fewer or easier plans, and embracing what calms your baby and helps you feel connected (like skin-to-skin cuddles, bathing together and feeding snuggled up on the sofa).
Whatever brings your nervous state down and lets you rest a little…lean into that.
Nourish your body & keep hydrated
New mums have all been there. Living off toast and biscuits because it’s not exactly easy to prepare a nutritious meal when you’re holding your newborn.
But of course, you want to keep yourself well! My friend’s tip was to simplify ‘nutrition’ – keep easy snacks on hand (nuts, fruit, seeds — anything you can grab with one hand!). And leave the food prep and batch cooking to others… or yourself when you do feel like it.
Keeping hydrated is super important. So keep a bottle of water with you that you can easily sip from throughout the day.
Gentle movement outdoors
When my friend had her baby, she always prioritised a short walk with the pram once a day. She has a dog, so it was a non-negotiable! She always said that on coming back from the dog walk, she felt so much brighter. Even on those soggy rainy days!
Gentle movement can make you feel good. A slow walk around the block. Some gentle stretches in the garden. Fresh air and a change of scene can do wonders for your mood.
Kent has some beautiful spots for a peaceful stroll — whether it’s a pushchair-friendly wander around Mote Park in Maidstone, a little coastal air at Minster Leas on the Isle of Sheppey, or a slow meander through the Oare Gunpowder works in Faversham.
Embrace your cosy comforts
Because sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing. Put on your softest pyjamas. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Binge-watch a series (even if you watch it with the subtitles on!). Let yourself rest in whatever way feels right.
My friend's bonus tip: Have a ‘cosy kit’ ready — a box with all your favourite comforts. A nice lip balm, a soothing hand cream, a mini stash of your favourite chocolates. Anything that makes you feel calm. It doesn’t have to be anything formal — even a bedside table drawer or a little wicker basket under your bed.
Lean into what works for you
Most new mums will say this: you end up putting yourself last. And while early motherhood is full of incredibly beautiful and wondrous moments, it can be really tough, too.
This blog could have all the tips in the world from lots of different mums, and it would still be about working out what’s right for you, your baby, and your family. So take any advice with a little pinch of salt — especially the kind you didn’t ask for! Not every tip will resonate, and that’s okay. Doing what feels good for you is the most important thing — and something my ‘mum friend’ wanted you to know.
Looking for a newborn photographer in Kent?
If you’re reading this as a new mum-to-be in Kent (congratulations!), I’d love to invite you into my Sittingbourne photography studio. I have the warmest welcome for you and your little one – and would love to capture this most precious life moment for you (the teeniest, tiniest toes!).
And if your baby is a little older?
Maybe it’s time to plan a milestone session — an older baby session (ideal for little ones who can sit unaided), a cake smash, or just some beautiful photos of you together.
Take a look at my Kent motherhood, newborn & family photography services.
Final words from me to you, new mum
Be so gentle with yourself. You’re doing the most wonderful job — just look at this teeny tiny human you’re raising with such love.
I hope – from the bottom of my heart – this little corner of the internet helped, inspired or made you feel a little brighter.
Isabelle (& a kind mum friend who helped me write this!) x
