Caring for You, Too: Self-Care in the Early Days of Parenthood

Written on May 5, 2025. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Caring for You, Too: Self-Care in the Early Days of Parenthood

Caring for You, Too: Self-Care in the Early Days of Parenthood

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder that caring for yourself is not optional — it is essential. Whether you’re a new parent, a seasoned carer adjusting to life with your own child, or a practitioner supporting families in the perinatal period, this is your gentle nudge to consider your own needs alongside those of the baby.

Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival

There’s a myth that good parents and carers put everyone else first, always. But the truth is, when you pour from an empty cup, it’s everyone who goes thirsty — including you. Feeling burnt out, tearful, touch-starved or overstimulated doesn’t mean you’re failing — it’s a sign your needs have been shelved for too long. And the irony? Meeting those needs makes you more emotionally available, more present, and more resilient for the child who depends on you.

Your essential toolkit: Eat. Move. Rest. Connect.

We often teach that a child’s wellbeing relies on a healthy balance of nourishment, play, sleep and relationships. The same applies to adults — especially in the early days of parenthood.

Eat
Nutrition can take a nosedive when you’re sleep-deprived and managing feeds around the clock. Batch-cook when you can, accept help when it’s offered, and remember: convenience isn’t a sin. A handful of nuts and a banana counts. Hydration is just as important — keep a water bottle close by when breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or just running on fumes.

Move
Forget the gym — this isn’t about crunches or closing rings on a fitness tracker. A short walk with the pram, stretching in your pyjamas, or dancing in the kitchen can all release endorphins, boost circulation, and lift your mood.

Rest
Yes, babies are demanding — but even micro-moments of rest count. Five minutes with your eyes closed. A cuppa drunk while still warm. Saying no to visitors when your instinct says “not today”. Let rest be a boundary, not a luxury.

Connect
Many new parents experience loneliness, even when rarely alone. Peer support — whether from a local baby group, an online forum, or a WhatsApp chat with a fellow mum — can be a lifeline. Speak honestly. Ask for help. Share what’s really going on beneath the polite smile.

Boundaries are brave

As professionals, we often teach parents about routines and limits for children. But what about boundaries for ourselves? It’s okay to say no to guests. To decline unsolicited advice. To choose quiet over chaos. To say: “Not right now — I’m recovering, I’m adjusting, I’m doing my best.”

A word to our learners and community

If you’re a childcare practitioner, maternity nurse or doula — please remember this: your training and compassion don’t make you immune to struggle. You are not failing if the transition into parenthood feels overwhelming. You are not less capable for needing support. In fact, by modelling self-care and honesty, you set a powerful example — for your clients, your children, and yourself.

And if you’re supporting new parents in your work, this week is a reminder to listen without judgment, to notice the signs of emotional strain, and to share resources that may help.

Where to find support

For anyone feeling the weight of this transition, here are a few resources you can turn to or recommend:

PANDAS Foundation – Support for pre- and postnatal mental health
Mind’s Side by Side – Peer support online community
Home-Start UK – Practical and emotional support for families
Your local health visitor, GP or perinatal mental health team

In summary…

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be on top of everything. You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are, right now. Self-care is not a bubble bath once a month — it’s making room, daily, for the human behind the carer. You matter. And it’s okay to act like it.

How To Write a Good CV

Written on June 18, 2018. Posted in Blog.

How to Write a Standout CV

Updated Guidance for 2025

Your CV is your first chance to make an impression on a future employer—it’s the gateway to securing an interview and landing your next role. A well-crafted CV can make all the difference, so it’s essential to ensure it’s polished, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to creating a standout CV, with tips to ensure your application catches the eye of potential employers.

1. Formatting Matters

The layout and design of your CV can leave a lasting first impression. A clean, professional look shows attention to detail and helps employers focus on your qualifications.

Use a clear, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10–12.
Limit your CV to two A4 pages, highlighting only relevant information.
Maintain consistent formatting throughout (e.g., bold all headings and use uniform bullet points).
Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
Avoid adding a photo unless explicitly requested.
Tailor your CV to the job, showcasing qualities and experiences that match the role.

2. Contact Details

Make it easy for employers to reach you with accurate, professional contact information:

Full Name: Include your first and last name.
Mobile Number: Ensure it’s one you can answer during the day.
Email Address: Use a professional email format, e.g., jane.smith@email.com.
Location: Specify your town or city rather than your full address for privacy.

3. Personal Statement

Place a short, well-written personal statement at the top of your CV. This brief section (no more than three sentences) should highlight why you’re a strong candidate, encouraging employers to keep reading.

4. Work Experience

List your professional history, starting with your most recent role. For each position, include:

Start and end dates (month and year).
Job title and employer’s name.
A summary of your key duties and achievements. Be specific (e.g., “Supported bottle feeding and managed daily routines for twins aged 6 months”).

If you’ve had numerous short-term roles: Combine them into an overarching summary to avoid repetition.

5. Education and Qualifications

Include your educational background in reverse chronological order, detailing:

Schools, colleges, or universities attended.
Qualifications achieved, including dates and grades (if relevant).

6. Additional Information

Highlight certifications or details that add value to your application, such as:

A valid, up-to-date DBS check.
UK full, clean driving licence.
Nationality and visa status (if applicable).

7. Interests and Hobbies

Give employers a glimpse of your personality by sharing hobbies and interests that reflect your character and dedication, such as volunteering or skill-based activities.

8. References

Simply state: “References available upon request.” Ensure your referees are prepared to provide a strong recommendation when needed.

Looking for Inspiration?

Explore our sample CV templates for Maternity Nurses and Nannies to see how these principles come to life.

Your CV is your chance to shine—make it count!

Tag: Childcare