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When parenthood becomes overwhelming.. Maternal Burnout Syndrome


Illustration of a stressed mother with apron holding children. Speech bubble says "SOS". Text reads "Maternal Burnout Syndrome".


Understanding Maternal Burnout: When Parenthood Becomes Overwhelming

Parenthood is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s also incredibly demanding. For many mums and das, the constant caregiving, endless to-do lists, and emotional toll can lead to a serious but often overlooked condition: Maternal/parental Burnout Syndrome.


Maternal/parental Burnout Syndrome is much more than just feeling tired or stressed, it refers to a set of negative symptoms that arise from the long-term pressures of parenting. It has become a growing issue in at the moment, where the expectations placed on parents, often mothers are sky-high, yet their energy and resources to meet those demands are depleted.


What is Maternal Burnout?

Maternal burnout encompasses three main symptoms:

  1. Exhaustion related to one’s parental role. The constant demands of parenting can leave mothers feeling physically and emotionally drained, unable to find the energy they once had.

  2. Emotional distancing from one’s children. As burnout progresses, mothers may can feel detached, less emotionally available, or even resentful, which can strain the parent-child relationship.

  3. Loss of parental efficiency. Burnout can cause mothers to doubt their parenting abilities, leaving them feeling ineffective and powerless in their role.

At its core, maternal burnout reflects the immense pressure on mothers to "do it all," combined with the lack of time or space to recover. Over time, this imbalance between the demands of motherhood and a mother’s ability to meet them can take a toll on her mental, emotional, and even physical health.


The Biological Impact of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just affect a mum’s emotional state, it also impacts her body. Research shows that maternal burnout is linked to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body’s stress response system. This dysregulation can lead to sleep problems, increased physical complaints, and a weakened immune system. Essentially, burnout pushes the body into a constant state of stress, making it difficult to rest, recover, or feel at ease.


Why Does This Happen?

Many factors contribute to maternal burnout. From societal pressures and unrealistic expectations to the lack of community support, mums today are often expected to handle it all without the help they truly need. For many women, especially in the postpartum period, the demands of motherhood feel overwhelming. And it doesn’t stop once the baby grows older—those same pressures and expectations often persist well beyond the early years.

A key factor in maternal burnout is the difficulty mothers face in taking time for themselves. Caught up in caring for their children and managing daily life, many mums struggle to find the time (or the permission) to rest. Whether it’s because they feel guilty or because those around them expect them to keep going, the idea of self-care often takes a back seat.


How to Support Mums Through Burnout

The good news is that burnout doesn’t have to be permanent. Research shows that both caring for others and practicing self-compassion can help promote wellbeing and reduce burnout. By recognising the importance of self-care, mums can nourish their need for rest, autonomy, and emotional recovery, leading to a healthier, more balanced version of themselves.

One way to support mothers is to foster a culture where rest and self-compassion are seen as essential, not indulgent. Mothers need to feel empowered to take breaks, ask for help, and care for themselves without guilt.

Additionally, continuing support is crucial. Mothers don’t just need help in the postpartum period, they need ongoing support as they navigate the challenges of parenting at every stage. Whether through community groups, supportive partners, or professional resources, ensuring that mums have access to help when they need it is key to preventing and addressing burnout.

Maternal burnout is a real and serious issue, but by understanding its causes and acknowledging its impact, we can create a culture where mums are supported, empowered, and able to thrive, both in their role as mothers and as individuals.


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