Drop The Mother Martyr Mindset: Why Mothers In Postpartum Must Put Their Mental Health First

SEPTEMBER 26, Melbourne, Australia — The idea that new mums must sacrifice all of their own needs for their baby is deeply ingrained in parenting culture. Despite the increase in awareness and conversation around mental wellbeing, mothers are still often expected to forgo core needs for their children and are considered selfish if they seek to create more ease for themselves. The toll this takes on a woman\’s mental health reverberates throughout her whole life, impacting not only her but her baby as well. Nicole Ossip, newborn sleep expert and neonatal educator, is saying enough is enough: mothers must stop sacrificing their mental health and emotional wellbeing for the sake of both themselves and their babies.

“For too long, mothers have been expected to sacrifice their own mental and emotional health for their children,” says Ossip. “But the reality is that if a mum is mentally exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed, she can’t be the best version of herself for her baby.”

Mental health struggles — particularly postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout — affect 1 in 5 mothers in Australia but remain under-prioritised. Prolonged sleep deprivation, the challenges of breastfeeding, and the stresses of adjusting to life with a newborn can exacerbate these issues, leading to feelings of isolation, guilt, and relationship breakdowns. Yet, societal pressure often tells mums to keep pushing through, even when their emotional reserves are running dry.

Ossip is pushing to change the narrative. She insists that mothers must be empowered to put their mental health first, without guilt or shame. “A mother’s emotional wellbeing is foundational for her baby’s development,” Ossip explains. “Babies are incredibly intuitive and sensitive to their mother’s mental state. When a mum is overwhelmed or emotionally disconnected, it can impact her ability to bond with her baby and create a secure attachment.”

The focus on maternal mental health is critical not only for the well-being of the mother but for the entire family. By acknowledging the importance of a mother’s mental health, new mums can make decisions that reduce stress — whether it’s choosing bottle feeding over breastfeeding, asking for more support, or creating a healthy sleep routine that allows for much-needed rest.

“Parenting isn’t about following rigid rules or meeting every societal expectation,” says Ossip. “It’s about being the best parent you can be — and that starts with being mentally and emotionally well.”

For mothers who find themselves feeling overwhelmed, Ossip offers Neonatal Education and Newborn Sleep Support that is designed to not only give mums and dads their sanity back but to completely rewrite the postpartum narrative from exhaustion to ease. She encourages all parents to seek help, whether from loved ones, professionals, or support groups.

“By putting their mental health first, mothers can show up more fully for their babies and create an environment where both they and their children can thrive.”

For more information on Nicole Ossip and her Neonatal programs please, visit www.nicoleossip.com.