Earlier this year I had the pleasure of talking at the Mums Who Build weekly Big MOB Meet-Up in Walthamstow and it was such a joy to meet and be in a room full of inspiring mums, talking honestly about motherhood, mental health, going back to work, business and of course… sleep.
As always everyone's situation is individual and I love answering questions from mums, we covered early wakes, routines, how comfort levels impact sleep and tips to help siblings sharing a room as peacefully as possible! Sleep can be a very divisive topic, but what struck me most (as it always does) was how open, generous and supportive the conversation became and how much other people’s questions and answers could help someone else.
Helping mums get more sleep and feel better around sleep is deeply personal to me. With my eldest who is almost 6 I experienced nap anxiety, constantly watching the clock and worrying whether he would sleep “enough.” I’ve lived with the anxiety that comes from early morning wakes with him too, starting the day already exhausted and on edge. When you’re sleep deprived, everything feels heavier - your patience, your confidence, your mental health.
Sleep affects so much more than just nights. It impacts how we show up as mums, how we feel in ourselves, and how we build and sustain businesses. When you’re running on empty, it’s incredibly hard to think clearly, take risks, or believe in yourself.
One of my biggest takeaways from the morning was this: you are never alone. No matter what stage you’re at, there is always another mum going through something incredibly similar, even if it doesn’t look that way on the outside. Please talk. Share how you’re really feeling. Support doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic; sometimes it’s just being heard.
When it comes to sleep, there are no rights or wrongs. There’s no single “correct” way to do things. But equally, you don’t have to suffer in silence or accept chronic exhaustion as just part of motherhood. Support exists, and it’s okay to ask for it.
If I could leave you with one piece of sleep advice, it would be this:
Focus on one small, consistent bedtime cue for your baby, whether that’s a bath, a story, a song, or simply dimming the lights at the same time each evening. Consistency helps babies feel safe and signals that sleep is coming, without pressure or perfection.
Thank you to Katie and the Mums Who Build community for such an honest, empowering morning and to every mum who shared, listened, and showed up exactly as she is.
Gemma Davies
The Mindful Sleep Coach
https://themindfulsleepcoach.com/
