Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish — And Why Your Kids Need You to Believe That

Self-care might sound like a luxury—but for moms, it’s a lifeline. In this powerful episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Nichelle Haynes explores why true self-care is not indulgent, optional, or selfish—it’s essential. And more than that, it’s foundational to your mental health, your child’s development, and the overall health of your family.

Nichelle debunks common myths about self-care in motherhood, highlights the research linking maternal well-being to positive childhood outcomes, and shares practical ways to make self-care realistic—even in the chaos of daily life. Drawing from Dr. Pooja Lakshmin’s Real Self-Care (affiliate link), she reframes self-care as a form of radical self-respect and necessary nourishment.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why maternal mental health matters for childhood development and emotional regulation
• The difference between escapism (like wine time or scrolling) and real self-care
• How your children learn to care for themselves by watching how you care for yourself
• Why rest, boundaries, and saying “no” are powerful tools for healing and growth
• How to integrate micro-moments of self-compassion into your day (even if you’re overwhelmed)
• A journal prompt to help you begin showing up for yourself with intention

If you've ever wondered how to take care of yourself as a mom—or felt guilty trying—this conversation is a compassionate invitation to start small, be messy, and come back home to yourself.

Keywords:
self-care for moms, maternal mental health, postpartum self-care, burnout in motherhood, how to take care of yourself as a mom, motherhood identity, mom guilt, emotional regulation, boundaries for moms, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, real self-care, postpartum depression support, mental load, parenting and self-care, mom podcast

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