Motherhood is often described as magical—and it is. But it’s also messy, exhausting, emotional, and sometimes deeply lonely. This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re pressing pause on the highlight reel and creating space for the full, honest picture.
Because while bringing life into the world is beautiful, it can also have a huge impact on your mental health, your sense of identity, and your connection to yourself. And if you’re finding it hard, you are far from alone.
The Quiet Weight So Many Mums Carry
Behind the “I’m fine” responses, many women are quietly carrying:
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Postnatal anxiety or depression
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Birth trauma
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Loss of independence or identity
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Guilt for not loving every moment
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A sense of isolation, even in a full room
These feelings are common, valid, and important to talk about.
What Helped Other Women
💬 “Getting dressed in something soft, something that felt like me, helped more than I expected.”
💬 “Talking—even just one friend who really got it—changed everything.”
💬 “Tiny moments of self-care. Not face masks—more like drinking a hot tea or walking round the block.”
💬 “Letting go of the pressure to love every second. Some days are really hard, and that doesn’t make me a bad mum.”
From Our Co-Founder, Olivia Dowie
“Don’t be afraid to admit how you’re feeling.”
I kept so much in during those early weeks, thinking I had to just push through. But when I finally opened up to my partner, he could actually support me in the ways I needed. The people around you won’t judge you—they’ll want to help.
“Be kind to yourself.”
I’m naturally a ‘busy’ person, so I’d get frustrated about ‘achieving nothing all day’. But keeping a baby alive? That’s the most important thing you’ll ever do. It’s more than enough.
“It’s tough, but it does get better.”
The haze lifts. You slowly feel like yourself again. It just takes time—and that’s okay. Don’t rush it. Be gentle with yourself in the process.
“Celebrate the small wins.”
The tea you drank hot. The nap that lasted just long enough. Getting out of the house without forgetting something. Managing to shower. These little moments are big wins in disguise. Count them. Honour them.
A Note from RENUE
We started RENUE because we know how important it is to feel like yourself again after becoming a mum. Comfort matters—emotionally and physically—and sometimes the smallest things, like what you wear, can help you feel grounded again.
But this week isn’t about product. It’s about letting you know:
You’re not alone. You’re not failing. And you are doing better than you think. 💛
Support Resources (UK)
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PANDAS Foundation – Support for perinatal mental health (pandasfoundation.org.uk)
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Tommy’s – Pregnancy and baby loss support (tommys.org)
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Mind – Mental health support (mind.org.uk)
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The Motherkind Podcast – Honest conversations on motherhood
You are still you. And that version of you is doing beautifully.