How To Manage Motherhood by Putting Yourself First

This post is about how to manage motherhood this Mother’s Day

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current PhD Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

Motherhood can be a rewarding but difficult journey at times. With so many needs to be met it can be easy to put your own needs on the back burner. Today, we will be diving deeper into how to manage motherhood, how the brain puts a mother’s needs on hold, and why it is important to prioritize those needs first!

Putting Yourself First as a Mom

Isaiah 66:13 “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

The transition into motherhood is a profound season of change, where one changes physically, mentally, and even spiritually. When we enter into our season of motherhood, the brain shifts as well. Within a woman’s brain, the caregiving circuit (the oxytocin-driven system) becomes highly sensitive. Tending to the needs of our children come naturally as our brain starts to place our children’s needs above all else. Although highly rewarding, it can cause mothers to fall into a trap of ignoring their own needs and putting their children’s needs above their own. Reminding ourselves that in order to truly meet our children’s needs we must prioritize getting our basic needs met first. A mother who is fueled and regulated is going to be far more effective than one who is running on fumes. We must remind ourselves that the to-do list can wait until we have a shower, make ourselves some food, and get the rest our body needs to be our best self. When we make sure our own needs are met as mothers, it is easier for us to be the backbone of the family and continue being the safe space that our brain so desperately wants to be.

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Faith Connection

For many women, Mother’s Day is a tough holiday due to infertility, the loss of a child, or the loss of relationships. God sees your pain in this season and is reminding you that He is the master comforter. He sees this heavy burden you are carrying and wants to remind you, you are NOT carrying this alone. Today, let’s draw close to the Lord and let Him hold and comfort us this season. The picture being painting in Isaiah 66:13 is describing the heart of God and His deep passion to care of nurture His child in their times of need. When we are so busy caring for the needs of others it is easy to become overwhelmed and burnt out. Today, let’s find rest in the Lord and let Him be the perfect Father we desperately crave.

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Christian Journal Reflection Questions

What is one worry you are carrying for your children or family today that you can physically “hand over” to God in prayer?

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the gift of nurturing. I pray for every woman reading this today—for the one who is exhausted, the one who is grieving, and the one who is rejoicing. Lord, be our strength when our “caregiver battery” is low. Remind us that our worth is not found in our productivity as mothers, but in our identity as Your daughters. Braid Your peace into our homes and give us the courage to receive Your comfort today. Amen.

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Christian Book Recommendations

• “The Highly Sensitive Parent: Be Brilliant in Your Role, Even When the World Overwhelms You” by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D. – An essential educational resource for parents who feel overstimulated, offering clinical strategies to manage the “Caregiver Burnout” that often comes with deep empathy.

• “Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!” by Rachel Macy Stafford – A beautiful, faith-friendly guide on how to break the cycle of “hustle” and find mental presence in the middle of a busy home.

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Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 124 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Make sure to send today’s devotional to a mom that needed today’s devotional as a reminder to take care of themselves. And to all my mother’s reading this, God is so proud of you. Please do not feel guilt for prioritizing your needs and I know you are doing a fantastic job!

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Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.