Bonjour lecteurs! If you’re a mum, then you already know that headaches are part of the deal. Littéralement, with the throbbing kind that makes you reach for the paracetamol. But also the figurative ones. Are they all just stress, or is there more to it? Let’s dive into the headaches that come with motherhood: both the ones in your head and the ones in your life.
Postpartum Headaches
The first six weeks after giving birth can be exhausting, between feeding and nappies. No wonder why about 40% of new mums, have headaches around that time. These can range from simple tension headaches caused by lack of sleep and stress to full-blown migraines. To minimise les chances to get one, drink as much water as possible and go for a daily walk. It does wonders for your mind to get some fresh air.
Hormone-Related Headaches
Hormones love to play havoc with our bodies. Whether it’s pregnancy, postpartum shifts, or even that delightful return of your cycle, fluctuating estrogen levels can bring on headaches. Some mums notice headaches around their period, while others experience them during pregnancy or perimenopause. As soon as I see the symptoms, I just reach for some paracetamol to lower the fatigue in the day. And if I can, I try to take it easy.
Migraines
If you’re prone to migraines, motherhood can make them worse. Triggers like lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress can bring them on. Unlike a typical headache, migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, making it nearly impossible to keep up with the constant demands of parenting. And let’s be honest, there is nothing worse than an unhappy baby while your head feels like it’s being squeezed?
Work-Life Balance
Now for the figurative headaches… Getting a good work-life balance can sometimes prove to be impossible. Balancing work, kids, and home life feels like spinning plates while blindfolded. Whether you’re racing to a meeting after a school drop-off or replying to emails while cooking dinner, the pressure is constant. Le secret? Have strong routines in place. And sometimes, you will have to accept that you won’t be able to do it all. It’s part of life.
The Invisible Mental Load
Ever feel like your brain is a never-ending to-do list? From remembering doctor’s appointments to keeping track of le calendrier familial, mums are often the default planners of the household. The weight of this unseen labour can lead to exhaustion and, ironically, even more headaches. if that’s the case, you need to prioritise and delegate! Let your other-half deal with homework or take the kids to their next swimming lessons. Being a happy family is all about teamwork. I never feel guilty when I ask Grumpy Boyfriend to cook dinner or hoover the house!
Emotional Labour: Always Keeping It Together
Mums often bear the weight of their children’s emotions. From tantrums to teenage heartbreaks, we’re expected to be the calm, comforting presence. But what about our own feelings? Bottling everything up can lead to stress, anxiety, and, you guessed it, those dreaded headaches.
Make time for yourself, by doing something you enjoy. Even a simple bath can make la différence.
Like many mamans modernes, I tend to rush from A to B and forget about myself. When I feel it’s too much, I actually schedule a bath or a yoga session into my calendar. It might sound silly, but by adding it to my diary, I make it happen. Otherwise, I can be quick to replace my ‘me time’ with another chore or job…
Social Expectations & Mum Guilt
There’s an unspoken pressure to be the “maman parfaite.” Social media shows picture-perfect families, tidy homes, and happy children. But real life is messy, overwhelming, and full of self-doubts. The pressure to “do it all” can be just as draining as an actual migraine.
You have to prioritise what really matters to you. I still sometimes have mum guilt. But overall, I know that I try my best at all times and that’s good enough! Don’t let yourself identify only as a mum. You are more than this and therefore, you also need to take into account in your daily life.
La Solution
So what’s la solution? Mums can’t eliminate all these headaches (literal or figurative), but you can still manage them:
- Prioritise sleep: even if it means skipping chores or less time on your phone.
- Stay hydrated & eat well: you would be surprise to see how effective simple changes can be.
- Set boundaries: at work, at home, and with yourself. Find your rocks and stick to them.
- Ask for help: especially if you feel overwhelmed! You don’t have to endure it all.
Motherhood will always come with challenges, but managing the weight of both literal and figurative headaches starts with recognising that you don’t have to carry it all alone. Whether it’s leaning on a support network, sharing les responsibilités, or simply allowing yourself the grace to step back when needed, small shifts in mindset and routines can make a big difference. After all, a happy mum makes a happy family.
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