Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care During Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school season can feel like a juggling act. Between school drop-offs, feeding schedules, work, and family life, moms often put themselves last on the list. For breastfeeding moms especially, the transition can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to hit reset and find a new balance.
Here are some practical ways to support yourself, nourish your body, and keep self-care a priority while managing the chaos of the season.
1. Plan Ahead for Nourishment
With busy mornings and after-school activities, it’s easy to skip meals or grab whatever’s quickest. Preparing simple, lactation snacks and lactation treats you can eat on the go keeps your energy steady and your milk supply supported. Keep a stash of individually wrapped lactation cookies in your bag, car, or desk drawer so you’re never running on empty.
2. Build Self-Care Into Your Routine
Self-care during back-to-school season doesn’t always mean adding more to your schedule. It means weaving it into what you’re already doing. Sip tea while waiting in the pickup line, stretch during feeding sessions, or listen to an audiobook while prepping lunches. Find the little pockets of time, and make them yours.
3. Embrace Flexibility
No routine will run perfectly, and that’s okay. Feeding sessions may bump up against homework time, or bedtime may look different each night. Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on flexibility. Giving yourself grace during this season is a form of self-care too.
4. Share the Load
If you can, delegate. Let older kids help with packing lunches, ask your partner to handle one morning drop-off, or swap childcare with a friend. Sharing the load not only lightens your schedule but also gives you space to refuel, whether that’s with a nap or a snack.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Did you manage to drink enough water today? Get the kids to school on time? Remember to re-latch your nursing bra before answering the door? Those wins matter. Recognizing and celebrating them can keep your spirits lifted in the middle of a busy season.
Balancing motherhood and self-care during back-to-school season isn’t about doing it all; it’s about finding ways to nourish yourself while you care for everyone else. From lactation snacks to tiny moments of rest, every act of self-care helps you show up stronger. Remember: you’re not just holding it all together, you’re doing an incredible job.
