Why Gratitude Matters for New Moms
Have you been finding it tough to feel grateful during pregnancy or the early newborn days? You’re definitely not alone if it feels hard to see the good amidst the pregnancy aches and pains, sleepless nights, healing body, and emotional highs and lows. The demands of early motherhood can make gratitude feel like just another thing on your already overflowing plate.
But here’s the reality: practicing gratitude, even in the tiniest moments, can make a world of difference. In fact, gratitude has been shown to help ease anxiety, lift mood, and even deepen our connection to loved ones.
What You Will Learn in This Blog Post:
How gratitude can impact your pregnancy and postpartum experience
Simple ways to find joy in small moments during early motherhood
Research-backed benefits of gratitude to support your mental well-being
Why Gratitude Matters for New Moms
It’s easy to get lost in the mental and emotional weight that comes with postpartum. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely because you’re carrying the weight of adjusting to a brand new life — both yours and your baby’s. You’re not just learning how to mother; you’re also healing, changing, and trying to keep up with a constant flow of new experiences. It’s completely understandable if gratitude is the last thing on your mind.
But here’s the beautiful part: studies show that practicing gratitude can actually change how we feel. Research has found that gratitude is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, which can be especially helpful in the postpartum period when we’re more vulnerable to emotional swings and self-doubt.
A study published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management found that people who practice gratitude tend to report more satisfaction with life (1), which can boost resilience during challenging times like postpartum. So, yes, those small, intentional moments of gratitude have science-backed benefits that can actually help lift your spirits and ease some of that inner tension.
Finding Joy in the Smallest Moments
When it comes to gratitude in postpartum, think small. Like, really small. You don’t need to feel grateful for everything in one go or pressure yourself to be optimistic 24/7. Instead, start with tiny moments that might otherwise pass by unnoticed.
Appreciate a Deep Breath: In the thick of a tough moment, pause and take a deep breath. Recognize the strength it takes to care for a newborn while healing your own body and mind. Take a second to say to yourself, “This breath is for me. I’m doing the best I can.”
Notice Small Wins: Did your baby give you a little smile this morning? Did you manage to drink a warm cup of coffee? Did you make it through a night feeding without feeling totally lost? These wins may feel tiny, but acknowledging them — even mentally noting “I’m grateful for that smile” — can ground you and remind you of the progress you’re making.
Find Joy in Connection: If you have a supportive partner, friend, or family member, take a moment to be grateful for their presence. Connection can be a lifeline in postpartum, and expressing gratitude for the people who are there with you strengthens those bonds, providing you both with reassurance and love.
How Gratitude Can Reduce Postpartum Anxiety
The research on gratitude’s benefits is powerful. Studies reveal that people who practice gratitude are more resilient and experience greater peace of mind (2). In postpartum, where anxiety can often feel like an unwanted but constant companion, gratitude offers a counterbalance that helps shift our mindset. According to psychologist Robert Emmons, a leading expert on gratitude, practicing gratitude not only helps people feel more optimistic but also reduces feelings of stress and anxiety by focusing our minds on positive experiences, which can, over time, reshape our brain’s patterns (2).
If anxiety is a regular visitor in your mind, consider keeping a small journal by your bed. Before sleep, jot down three things you felt grateful for that day — no matter how small. Research shows this simple practice can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and even enhance sleep quality, which we know is precious in postpartum!
Embrace the Journey with Gratitude
It’s okay if gratitude doesn’t come naturally at first. Give yourself permission to go slow and be gentle. Over time, even these small moments of appreciation can help you feel more grounded, less anxious, and more connected to your baby and yourself. By focusing on tiny, positive moments, you’re giving yourself the gift of peace and a tool for facing each day with a little more hope.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Download Postpartum on Purpose: A Guide to Taking Charge of Your Well-Being to get a roadmap for navigating these early days and empowering yourself to prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way. You’ve got this, one moment at a time.
Here’s to finding joy, peace, and gratitude in all the little moments that make up this journey. 💕
Resources:
Kerry, N., Chhabra, R., & W Clifton, J. D. (2023). Being Thankful for What You Have: A Systematic Review of Evidence for the Effect of Gratitude on Life Satisfaction. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 16, 4799. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S372432
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
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