Why wanting more sleep doesn’t make you a bad mum

If you’re struggling with exhaustion and broken nights, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting more sleep, please know this - it doesn’t make you a bad mum.

This is how I felt with my little boy, and something I hear from lots of parents, especially breastfeeding mums who feel torn between meeting their baby’s needs and looking after their own wellbeing.

As parents, so many of us carry a quiet sense of guilt for even thinking about improving sleep. You might worry that you’re doing something wrong, that you’re being selfish, or that needing support somehow means you’ve failed. But the truth is much simpler.

Wanting more sleep makes you human.

Sleep deprivation affects everything – your mood, your mental health, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy everyday life. When nights are broken, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Wanting to feel better does not mean you love your baby any less.

For many mums, particularly those who are breastfeeding, the idea of sleep support can feel uncomfortable. You might worry about being pushed into changes that don’t feel right, or fear that sleep training means leaving your baby to cry. That’s why gentle, responsive sleep support is so important.

Gentle sleep support is not about forcing independence before your baby is ready. It’s about supporting your baby while also supporting you. It means making gradual changes, staying responsive, and ensuring your feeding journey is respected every step of the way.

I believe mums should never be made to feel guilty for needing rest. Wanting sleep does not make you selfish. It means you are recognising your own needs as well as your baby’s.

You deserve support that feels kind, calm, and guilt-free. And you deserve to feel like yourself again.