Radical Self Care For Moms
How often do you find yourself caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of tasks and to-dos, feeling like there’s never enough time to just be? In a recent episode of the Freely Feminine Podcast, Katie Galvin and I dug deep into some rich, heart-centered conversations around spaciousness, nourishment, the journey through motherhood, and what radical self care for moms looks like in modern society. We touched on the powerful, often overlooked, process of matrescence—the transformation a woman goes through when becoming a mother—and how it all ties back to our innate feminine design.
Let’s dive into some of the most nourishing wisdom from this conversation and explore how you can apply it to your life, whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, in the thick of motherhood, or simply yearning to feel more grounded in your everyday life.
Spaciousness: Why It’s Essential for Every Woman
One of the first things Katie and I talked about was the concept of spaciousness—this idea of creating room in your life for rest, reflection, and, most importantly, asking yourself, “What do I want to do today?” We’re so often stuck in the “shoulds” and “have-tos” that we forget the simple joy of following our true desires.
Katie spoke so beautifully about how she’s leaned into her feminine energy and allowed herself the gift of spaciousness—letting go of the self-imposed urgency and embracing the freedom to ask, “What lights me up?”
Spaciousness isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about creating room for curiosity, for creativity, and for true nourishment. It’s about listening to that inner voice that often gets drowned out in the noise of modern life.
How to create more spaciousness in your life:
Morning check-ins: Start your day by asking, “What do I want to do today?” instead of jumping straight into the to-do list. This small shift can create more freedom and joy in your daily routine.
White space in your week: Build unstructured time into your calendar, where nothing is scheduled, and you have the freedom to explore what feels good in the moment. Whether it’s resting, painting, or simply being, this space is crucial for replenishing your energy.
Saying no with love: Protecting your energy is essential. Get comfortable with setting boundaries, especially when it comes to things that feel draining. Say no with love, and let that create more space for the things that truly light you up.
Nourishment: Preparing for Pregnancy and Beyond
Katie shared that preparing for pregnancy starts long before the moment you decide to conceive—it’s something your body has been doing for your entire life. Everything we do—from the food we eat to the way we care for our mental and emotional health—plays a role in creating a healthy environment for pregnancy.
Think of it like planting seeds in a garden. The healthier and more nutrient-rich the soil, the stronger and more vibrant the plants will be. Your body is no different. Nourishing your body now, even if pregnancy isn’t on the immediate horizon, helps you feel stronger, more balanced, and more aligned with your natural rhythms.
Nourishment tips for women preparing for pregnancy (or simply wanting to feel more vibrant):
Eat nutrient-dense foods: Focus on whole, nourishing foods that provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive. Think healthy fats, organic proteins, and fresh vegetables. These are the building blocks of vitality, whether for everyday life or preparing for a baby.
Check your minerals: Most women are deficient in key minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are essential for hormonal balance and reproductive health. Consider working with a holistic practitioner to assess your levels and create a plan to restore them.
Reduce stress intentionally: Stress isn’t just mental—it’s a physical drain on your body’s energy reserves. Find ways to release tension, whether through gentle movement, deep breathing, or spending time in nature. Your nervous system craves moments of calm.
Katie reminded us that pregnancy is one of the most energetically demanding processes your body will ever go through. You need not only enough energy for yourself but a surplus to carry you and your baby through the journey. Taking care of yourself now, whether you’re thinking of getting pregnant soon or just want to feel more nourished in general, is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Embracing Matrescence: The Sacred Transformation of Motherhood
One of the most profound parts of our conversation centered around matrescence—a word that isn’t often used, but holds so much meaning. Like adolescence, matrescence is the full transformation—body, mind, and soul—that happens when a woman becomes a mother.
In our society, there’s often this pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby, to return to life as it was before. But the truth is, motherhood changes you—deeply, profoundly, and permanently. And that’s something to be celebrated, not resisted.
Katie shared her journey of realizing just how much she had changed after becoming a mother, and how important it is to honor that transformation. From the physical shifts in your body to the emotional and spiritual evolution that takes place, matrescence is a sacred process that deserves to be acknowledged and nurtured.
How to embrace matrescence and the changes of motherhood:
Give yourself time and grace: There’s no rush to “get back” to who you were before. You’re in a new season now, and it’s okay to slow down, rest, and let your body and spirit adjust.
Set boundaries to protect your peace: Whether it’s saying no to visitors, scaling back on commitments, or asking for help, this is the time to prioritize your well-being. You and your baby are the priority, and everything else can wait.
Embrace the change: Motherhood isn’t about staying the same—it’s about growing into a new version of yourself. Let go of the pressure to be who you were before, and allow yourself to step fully into this new role with openness and love.
Katie also highlighted the connection between your health and your children’s well-being. Research shows that the number one predictor of a child’s happiness is the happiness of their mother. So, by nourishing yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—you’re not only doing it for you but for your family as well.
Final Thoughts
Our conversation with Katie was a powerful reminder that as women, we’re not meant to push through life without stopping to rest, nourish ourselves, and honor our natural cycles. Whether you’re preparing for motherhood, already a mom, or simply looking to feel more connected to your body and spirit, the journey starts with creating space, nourishing yourself, and embracing the changes that come with each new season of life.
Motherhood isn’t the only transformation we go through—life is filled with moments of becoming, shedding, and growing into who we’re meant to be. So, wherever you are on your journey, know that you have the power to create spaciousness, to nourish yourself deeply, and to honor the cycles that guide you.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into these ideas, you can listen to the full conversation with Katie Galvin on the Freely Feminine Podcast. Her insights are rich with wisdom, and there’s so much more to explore.
Katie is offering a super generous discount for $500 off a coaching package, or 15% off of a wellness consultation for Rosewood Women!
Find Katie and her work at https://www.instagram.com/katengalvin/ or connect with her via email at info@motheringmindandbody.com
Until next time,
xx Beth
Interested in learning more about feminine-focused living, cycle syncing, or Gentle Business? Let’s connect through a free 30-minute clarity call!
