Self Care: Rest, Reclaim & Renew
National Self-Care Day is more than just a hashtag—it's an invitation for women to prioritize their well-being with intention. For expecting mothers, new moms, and women navigating infertility, this day offers a gentle reminder to pause, replenish, and embrace practices that nurture both mental and physical health.
Why Self-Care Isn’t Always Accessible for Women of Color
Self-care is often touted as universally beneficial—but for many BIPOC women, cultural expectations can complicate its practice.
Caretaker identity: Deeply rooted roles encourage women to put others first, often leading to neglect of their own needs.
Gender norms and family dynamics: Cultural values may prioritize collective care over individual well-being.
Systemic barriers: Limited access to culturally responsive therapy, insurance gaps, and insensitive clinical advice (e.g., being told to "go no-contact") can undermine care efforts.
These realities make it harder, but not impossible, to engage in meaningful self-care.
Self-Care Ideas for Every Stage of the Fertility Journey
Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or coping with fertility challenges, here are some small but powerful ways to care for yourself:
Nature walks encourage grounding, boosts mood, and supports mindfulness.
Gentle movement stimulates “feel-good” hormones and relieves tension.
Connecting with a doula can help provide emotional and physical support for every reproductive stage.
Breathing exercises help regulate emotions and activate calm responses
Solo quiet time. Even just 10 minutes can promote nervous system regulation
Joining community groups can help build social support and combat isolation
Setting boundaries around certain conversations can help protect emotional well-being and create space for healing.
Journaling deepens self-awareness and can help you align actions with values
Try this journaling prompt: Identify a core personal value. In the morning, explore how you’ll engage with it; in the evening, reflect on how it showed up
The Self-Care You Choose Matters
Intentional self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you're choosing to rest, reflect, or reconnect, these acts of compassion help you honor your emotional and physical needs. When you tend to yourself with care, everyone around you benefits. Remember: it's not about doing self-care perfectly. It's about doing it purposefully, in ways that feel meaningful to you.
