February: The Month of Love – How Mums Can Practice Self-Love & Compassion

February is often celebrated as the month of love, but while Valentine's Day brings focus to romantic relationships, it’s also the perfect time for mums and mums-to-be to turn that love inward.

For new mums, pregnancy and postpartum life can feel overwhelming. The demands of motherhood often mean that self-care takes a backseat, leading to exhaustion, self-doubt, and even mum guilt. But self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

In this guide, we’ll explore how mums can embrace self-love and compassion this February, with practical ways to prioritise well-being, reduce stress, and feel more connected to themselves.

Why Self-Love Matters for Mums

Motherhood changes everything—your body, your routine, and even your identity. It’s easy to get caught up in doing everything for everyone else, leaving little time for yourself. But here’s the truth:

✔ You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you take care of yourself, you show up as a more present, patient, and loving mum.

✔ Your baby learns from you. When children see their mums prioritising well-being, they grow up understanding the importance of self-care and emotional regulation.

✔ Self-love improves mental health. A regular self-compassion practice can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and support postpartum recovery.

How to Practise Self-Love & Compassion as a Mum This February

1. Speak to Yourself Like You Would a Friend

Mum guilt is real. It whispers, "You're not doing enough," or "You should be better." But imagine if a close friend spoke to you the way your inner critic does. Would you stand for it?

💡 Try this:

• Replace self-criticism with self-kindness: Instead of "I'm failing," say, "I'm learning and doing my best."

• Write down three things you’re proud of each day—even small wins matter.

• Remind yourself: Perfect mothers don’t exist—good enough is enough.

  
  

2. Reconnect with Your Body with Loving Care

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum bring major body changes that can feel foreign. But your body is incredible—it grew, birthed, and nourished life.

💡 Ways to embrace self-love for your body:

• Gentle movement: Instead of intense workouts, try stretching, yoga, or a short walk.

• Nourish yourself: Enjoy warm, nutrient-dense foods that support recovery and energy.

• Hydrate like you would your child: Keep a water bottle nearby as a small act of self-care.

  
  

3. Create a “Love List” for Yourself

We often make to-do lists for household chores and baby routines, but what if you made a self-love list?

💡 Your February Self-Love List Might Include:

✅ A warm bath with Epsom salts after bedtime

✅ 10 minutes of morning breathwork or meditation

✅ A solo trip to a café with a book

✅ Buying yourself flowers (you don’t need a partner to do this!)

✅ Letting go of mum guilt when asking for help

Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant—it’s about small, intentional acts of self-love that make you feel valued.

4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

As a new mum, you may feel pressured to please everyone—from visitors wanting to see the baby to unsolicited parenting advice. But self-love includes setting boundaries that protect your time and energy.

💡 Try these gentle boundary-setting phrases:

• “I appreciate your advice, but we’re doing what feels right for us.”

• “We’re limiting visitors for now to focus on recovery and bonding.”

• “I need a break—can you take over for 30 minutes?”

  
  

Saying no is an act of self-care, not selfishness.

5. Allow Yourself to Rest Without Guilt

Tired? Overwhelmed? You don’t need to “earn” rest—it’s a necessity.

💡 How to build rest into your daily life:

• Take naps when possible (even 10 minutes helps).

• Let go of the idea that you need to do it all—some things can wait.

• Accept that rest is productive—a well-rested mum is a better mum.

  
  

6. Find a Community That Fills Your Cup

Motherhood can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Finding a community of supportive mums can make all the difference.

💡 Ways to connect this February:

• Join a mum’s group (virtual or in-person).

• Use Carol App to connect with mums who understand what you’re going through.

• Reach out to a friend for a real, honest chat.

  
  

Connection is a form of self-care—don’t be afraid to lean on others.

A February Self-Love Challenge for Mums

Want to make self-love a habit? Try this 7-day self-love challenge:

Day	Self-Love Action
Day 1	Write 3 things you love about yourself.
Day 2	Treat yourself—buy yourself something small & special.
Day 3	Take a guilt-free nap or rest break.
Day 4	Say "no" to something that drains your energy.
Day 5	Do something just for you—read, walk, or listen to music.
Day 6	Write a love letter to your body, thanking it for all it does.
Day 7	Connect with another mum and share encouragement.

This February, Love Yourself First

Motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, and transformative—but no matter where you are on the journey, self-love is the foundation of it all.

💖 You deserve rest.

💖 You are more than “just a mum.”

💖 You are enough—exactly as you are.

This February, let’s redefine love—starting with ourselves.

Looking for more support, mum-to-mum advice, and a safe space to share your journey? 

Download the FREE Carol App today on IOS and Android and connect with a community of mums who truly understand.