Feeling a new mum overwhelm? 

You are so not alone.

Motherhood is not all sunshine and rainbows – especially in those early days.

You go through so MUCH, both physically and mentally.

You cope with all sorts of conflicting emotions while adjusting to your new life, which has changed, basically, overnight.

You do the best you can, but still feel like it’s not enough.

All you do is change nappies and feed.

You are sleep deprived.

You have no time for yourself and things that you used to do before.

Your whole life is on hold and everything now revolves around your baby.

You feel lonely and invisible.

There are moments when you just want to scream and run away. 

And the worst part? You’re scared to talk it.

Because deep down, you feel that a “good mum” you should cope.

So you keep smiling. You pretend everything is fine.

But inside, you’re falling apart.

Talking About New Mum Overwhelm Could Be the BEST Thing You Ever Do

I know only too well how hard it is to talk about a new mum overwhelm. 

I’ve been there myself. It took me about 8 months to speak up.

But once I did, I couldn’t understand why I hadn’t spoken up much earlier.

It lightened the burden in more ways than I never expected.

That’s why I’ve written this blog post with 8 main reasons why talking can save your sanity – to help you feel that relief much sooner.

Because speaking up doesn’t just protect your sanity. 

It can change everything. 

But before we get to the nitty gritty, I want to talk about WHO to speak to in the first place.

Who Should I Talk To About A New Mum Overwhelm? 

Most people tell you to talk to a professional, but let’s be honest – when you feel like you’re failing, talking to a professional (who’s practically a stranger) is easier said than done.

When I left the hospital as a new mum, I was handed a stack of leaflets with phone numbers to call if I ever struggled emotionally.

But let’s be honest – who actually dials those numbers when they’re struggling?

That’s why I believe it’s more realistic to talk to someone you know and trust.

Ideally, someone who’s been through it – a fellow mum.

I know you’re worried about being judged, but trust me – no mum would judge you for feeling overwhelmed.

Because she’s been there too.

Just because she didn’t talk about it doesn’t mean she didn’t feel it.

Trust me on this.

Is there a mum around you who you trust and feel comfortable with?

She’s the person to talk to. 

(If you need extra encouragement from other mums, my book Motherhood: The Unspoken shares real, honest stories from 10 different mums, revealing what helped them cope with new mum challenges and the powerful messages they have for YOU.)

Ready to find out how talking can save your sanity?

Let’s dive into the 8 biggest benefits of speaking up about new mum overwhelm.

1. Talking lifts an enormous weight off your shoulders

I’m sure you’ve heard this before – but I was genuinely shocked at how much lighter I felt after opening up to a friend about how I was really feeling. 

Honestly, I couldn’t believe why I had waited so long.

I know it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.

But once you do it… it feels like the easiest thing ever.

I truly believe that what holds many of us back is fear – fear of being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed.

But here’s something powerful to remember: When you speak up, you create a safe space for others to do the same.

That’s how we start breaking the stigma.

That’s how we begin to end the silent struggles for mums around the world. 

Isn’t that incredible?

By speaking up today, you’re not just helping yourself – you’re helping another mum too.

So really, it’s not just a brave thing to do…

It’s something we have to do.

2. It connects you with others on a deeper level

When you are vulnerable and speak honestly about how you feel, you connect with people on a much deeper level.

It helps build stronger bonds and friendships.

When I finally spoke up, I was honestly surprised by the response I received.

Some of my old friends didn’t offer the understanding or support I had expected.

And on the other hand, some people I barely knew showed up with kindness, empathy, and incredible support during one of the hardest times in my life.

Being honest and open truly strengthens all kinds of relationships and brings support from places you never imagined.

3. It helps you to see things in a whole new light

Talking about your feelings can help you see your situation from a completely different angle.

Often, when you speak openly, you start to notice things you hadn’t seen before – connections, patterns, or even small solutions that were right in front of you.

When you say your problems out loud, instead of keeping them in your head, it helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture.

And suddenly, everything feels less overwhelming.

Things start to feel more manageable, and you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

4. It frees up space for different emotions

If you want to feel better – if you want to let in more positive emotions – you first need to release the heavy ones.

Talking about new mum overwhlem can feel like popping a balloon that’s been filling up for way too long.

The more intense the release, the more you realise just how much you’ve been holding in.

Suddenly, there’s room to breathe.

Suddenly, there’s room for new emotions to come in.

5. It helps you be calmer and more patient  

Talking about new mum overwhelm can help you feel calmer and more patient – especially on those days when your baby won’t stop crying, you haven’t slept, and you feel like you’re about to break.

Saying how you feel helps you release frustration instead of snapping or crying alone.

The more you talk, the more supported and steady you feel – which makes it easier to stay calm when your baby needs you most.

6. It always leads to something bigger

When you talk to someone – really talk – they will usually respond in some way.

And whatever they say or do, it often leads to something more.

Even if it’s just a quick chat with a stranger, it could be their words, their expression, the way they look at you, or even just the tone of their voice that sparks something in you.

Maybe it gives you hope.

Maybe it brings you an idea.

Maybe it helps you realise something important.

And that moment – however small – can take you in a new direction you hadn’t thought of before.

That’s the beauty of speaking up.

It’s never just about sharing.

It’s about opening a door to something bigger.

7. It helps you be a better mum 

When you’re not carrying everything by yourself anymore, you might find you’re more present with your baby.

You become more open to accepting help, which gives you more time to rest and take care of yourself.

And when you feel even a little more like yourself again, you’re naturally more loving and connected – with your baby, your partner, and even with yourself.

Talking isn’t just for your benefit – it’s one of the best things you can do for your whole family.

8. It can save you

Talking can truly save you.

I know this because it saved me when I was drowning in postnatal depression. (You can read my full story here.)

And it has saved so many other mums (and dads), too.

When I spoke up, I was at my breaking point.

And honestly, I don’t even want to imagine what might have happened if I hadn’t.

So if there’s just one thing you take away from this blog post, let it be this:

TALKING CAN SAVE YOU. 

In countless ways.

New Mum Overwhelm? How Speaking Up Can Save Your Sanity.

There you go!

I hope this blog post helped you see just how important talking is for your well-being (and your family’s) – and gave you the strength to open up.

Which part of the blog spoke to you the most?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—let me know in the comments below!

With love,
Ivana xx