Stress and breastfeeding: 5 wellness rituals for busy moms

Breastfeeding is magical... but it can also be exhausting, especially when you're juggling short nights, crazy hormones and a hectic daily routine.

At23 Mai Paris, we want to help you get through this period with a little more ease.

Photograph of a mother wearing the LOVE nursing t-shirt by 23 Mai Paris.

Here are 5 simple (and realistic!) little rituals to help you reconnect with yourself, without pressure, even between feedings.

Managing stress during breastfeeding: our 5 rituals to help you truly relax

1. Conscious breathing: 3 minutes to breathe (really)

No need for a yoga mat or total silence (spoiler alert: you won't get it). As soon as your baby is feeding or sleeping, treat yourself toa real moment of respite.

How to do it:

Breathe in through your nose while counting to 4.
Hold air for 2 seconds
Exhale slowly through your mouth while counting to 6.
Repeat 5 times

This little exercise slows down the pace, reduces stress, and gives you the feeling that you have regained some control.

Photograph of a woman practicing conscious breathing

2. Evening tea: your new cozy ritual

When things calm down (a little) at home, make yourselfa comforting herbal tea. Verbena, fennel, lemon balm... gentle plants that soothe and sometimes even support lactation.

For more information, see our article herbal teas and plants that aid breastfeeding.

Tip for 23 Mai Paris

Create your own mini "herbal tea corner": a pretty mug, a soft plaid, subdued lighting, and why not a podcast or a soft playlist 🎶

Just for you, even if it's only for 10 minutes.

Photograph of a "herbal tea corner", cozy with a plaid, a teapot and comfortable socks.

3. Comfort in what you wear

Well-being also depends on what you wear. When you're comfortable (physically and mentally), you experience things differently.

Our nursing clothes such as the personalized embroidered T-shirt or ultra-soft nursing sweatshirts are designed for just that purpose:

Easy to put on
Gentle on the skin
And pretty (even at home)

Photograph of a mother breastfeeding her baby using the 23Mai Paris leopard Breastfeeding t-shirt .

4. Evening journal: 3 sentences to refocus

This little ritual can change everything, even if you're not "the writing type".

Every evening, note down:

One thing that made you smile today
One thing you are thankful for
One thing you would like to do tomorrow, just for yourself

It helps to see the little joysdespite fatigue, and to stay the course without forgetting yourself.

5. A micro-walk, every day (or almost)

Yes, even for 10 minutes. Yes, even if you haven't combed your hair. Yes, even with dark circles.

Put on your sneakers, put your baby in a sling or stroller, and go for a walk.

Just a little. To breathe, change scenery, reconnect with the outdoors.

Audio, music, or just the sound of the city: it doesn't matter, as long as it's your moment.

photograph of a woman sitting on a bench by a lake, during a walk

Doing something good for yourself means nurturing your overall balance: reduce your stress and make breastfeeding time more comforting.

These rituals don't require a whole hour, a large budget or perfect organization. Just the intention to take care of yourself, a little, every day.

And that's already huge.

To help you feel beautiful and serene, 23 Mai Paris creates soft, functional and symbolic breastfeeding clothes, so that every mother feels seen, supported and valued in this crazy yet magnificent adventure of motherhood.

Discover our complete collection of nursing wear to accompany you every day.

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you: