Sleepless Nights and Saying Yes to Help: Why Self-Care Matters for Moms from the heart of a mama who’s been there

The newborn days are magical—but they’re also exhausting. Between midnight feedings, cluster naps, and the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood, sleep often becomes a distant memory. At Little SoCal, we know that the baby phase comes with big love and big challenges—and we believe that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one.

Sleep Deprivation Is Real—and You’re Not Alone Let’s be honest: sleep deprivation hits hard. According to the Sleep Foundation, new parents lose an average of 109 minutes of sleep every night in the first year of their baby’s life. That adds up quickly. Exhaustion can affect your mood, your relationships, and even your ability to enjoy those sweet moments with your baby.

If you’re running on fumes, know this: you’re not failing. You’re human. And it’s okay to ask for help.

A Little Story from Me I’ll never forget those early nights. I remember sitting in the dim light, feeding my baby, and then immediately pumping after he fell asleep—trying to squeeze every drop while he slept for part of the 2–3 hour window before he’d wake and need me again. My partner was sleeping—not because he didn’t want to help, but because there wasn’t much he could do. 

And while I was doing all that, I was also preparing to return to work—because like so many moms in the U.S., I only had six weeks of maternity leave. It felt completely backwards. Six weeks isn’t nearly enough time to recover, bond, and find your rhythm as a new parent. Having to push through sleep deprivation while also heading back to the classroom was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Saying Yes to Help Is a Form of Self-Care Accepting support doesn’t make you weak—it makes you wise. Whether it’s your partner taking the night shift, a friend bringing over dinner, or a neighbor holding the baby while you shower, every little bit helps. Moms often feel pressure to “do it all,” but rest is essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Asking for help gives you the space to recharge. It’s not about luxury—it’s about survival, joy, and sustainability.

Small Acts of Care That Make a Big Difference Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day. It can be as simple as:

• A hot cup of coffee before the baby wakes up
• Ten minutes of fresh air on the front porch
• A long, quiet shower (even if it’s at 10 p.m.)
• Saying no to visitors when you need to rest
• Listening to your favorite podcast or music during nap time
• Journaling your thoughts, even if it’s just a few lines
• Lighting a candle that makes you feel calm
• Putting on something comfy that makes you feel like you again

Give Yourself Grace Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, and every baby (and mom) is different. Some nights will be long. Some days will feel endless. But through it all, you’re doing an incredible job.

So if someone offers help, say yes. If the dishes pile up, let them. And if you need to wear pajamas all day, we say go for it. This season is messy, beautiful, and fleeting—and you deserve to be cared for, too.