Nurturing Your Parenting Instincts: A Holistic Guide for Intuitive Mums

Li Tan
Jul 22
5 min read

Becoming a mother is one of the biggest transformations you’ll ever go through. It’s beautiful, powerful — and also incredibly tender, raw, and sometimes overwhelming. You’re not just learning how to care for a little one. You’re also getting to know this new version of yourself.

There’s actually a name for this profound shift: matrescence. Like adolescence, matrescence is a natural phase of transition — one that brings big changes to your body, mind, emotions, relationships and sense of identity. You’re not doing anything wrong if you feel unsure or emotional — you’re going through a metamorphosis. And it deserves to be honoured.

At the same time, many mums tell me they just know what their baby needs — even if they can’t explain why. That quiet inner knowing? That’s intuition — and it’s something you already have. When we pair that natural wisdom with simple, nurturing practices (like the gentle routines of Ayurveda), it becomes easier to stay grounded and connected as you grow into motherhood.

This guide is here to help you feel supported — body, mind, and heart — as you navigate changes with your little one.

Working on your kids is also as important as working on you

What is Intuitive Parenting?

Intuitive parenting is about trusting yourself. It means tuning into your baby’s cues — but also your own. Instead of trying to follow strict rules or compare yourself to others, you listen to what feels right in your body and heart.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need space to slow down, breathe, and notice. Your body often knows what your baby needs — the hard part is learning to trust that voice when there’s so much noise around.

Your Inner Shift: Understanding Matrescence

Matrescence is the emotional, physical and psychological journey of becoming a mother. And like any big transition, it can bring joy and grief. You might feel like you're losing parts of yourself — or discovering new ones. This is all normal.

You might notice:

Changes in your energy
New emotions surfacing
Shifts in your relationships and priorities
A longing for more support or quiet

You’re not alone. So many mums feel this way — we just don’t always talk about it.

Gentle practice

Take 10 minutes to reflect: How have I changed since becoming a mum (or during pregnancy)? What do I need right now — physically, emotionally, or spiritually? You can write it down, talk to a friend, or just sit with it.

What Is Ayurveda - and How Can It Help?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian approach to wellbeing. It sees health as a balance between your body, emotions, and environment — and offers gentle tools like food, routine, and self-care to help you feel more steady and nourished.

You don’t need to know everything. Just think of it like this:

Your body thrives on warmth, rest and gentle rhythms.
Your mind needs kindness and calm — especially when things feel chaotic.
Your intuition is strongest when your nervous system is supported.

Easy Ways to Support Yourself (And Your Baby)

Here are some simple ideas inspired by Ayurveda and intuitive parenting that you can try — no special equipment or deep knowledge needed.

🤲 1. Slow Down with Self-Touch

Warm a little lotion or body oil in your hands and give yourself a gentle foot or belly massage before bed. It’s calming, grounding, and helps you reconnect with your body.

✍️ 2. Keep a “Mum Journal”

You don’t need to write pages or a notebook — just jot down one thing each day that felt right or something you noticed about your baby in your phone's notes app. Over time, you’ll see your inner confidence grow.

👀 3. Pause Before You React

When your baby cries or throws something, take a breath before you respond. This tiny moment of pause helps your nervous system stay calm and gives your intuition room to speak.

Create a Calm Rhythm at Home

Babies and small children feel safest when there’s a predictable flow to the day. That doesn’t mean having a rigid schedule — just simple, cozy rituals can make a big difference.

Try:

Keeping sleep and meal times roughly consistent
Using soft lighting and natural textures (like wooden toys or fluffy blankets)
Playing soothing music or using calming scents (like lavender or sandalwood)

These small touches help you feel calmer too — and that calm is contagious.

Nourish Yourself to Stay Grounded

When you’re tired or frazzled, it’s harder to hear your intuition. One of the best ways to stay steady is through food and gentle routines.

Try this:

Eat warm, easy-to-digest meals (like soups, stews or porridge)
Sip herbal teas like chamomile or ginger
Avoid skipping meals or living on snacks (we’ve all done it — no shame!)
Rest when you can — even if it’s just lying down with your eyes closed

Building Connection, Not Perfection

You don’t have to be the “perfect mum.” What matters most is being present.

A few minutes of undistracted time each day — playing, cuddling, or just watching your baby — can build deep connection and trust. Some of the most beautiful bonding moments come from the simplest things.

You might try:

“Heart Time”: Put your phone away and follow your child’s lead for 10 minutes.
Gentle baby massage with warm lotion/oil after bath time.
Cooking simple meals together as your child grows — even stirring or washing veggies counts!

When It’s Hard, Be Kind to Yourself: Embrace Patience, Compassion, and Imperfection

Motherhood is messy. You will lose your cool sometimes. You will feel lost. You will cry in the shower. That doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re human.

Every challenge is an opportunity to deepen connection and learn.

Instead of judging yourself, try asking:

What is this moment trying to show me?

Reframe the moment and take care of you. Make a cup of tea. Put your hand on your heart. Repeat a calming phrase like, “This too shall pass.” and know that tomorrow is a new day.

You Weren’t Meant to Do This Alone

One of the biggest myths of modern motherhood is that you’re supposed to “figure it all out” by yourself.

You don’t have to.

Find your people — whether it’s a mum’s group, a friend who listens without judgement, or an online space where you feel seen. Your story matters, and when you share it, you give others permission to share theirs too. You are not meant to do this alone.

Attend mums’ circles or join online mum groups.
Share your wins and worries. Listen and be listened to.
Let others witness your evolution — this is how we normalise the complexities of motherhood and build each other up.

You Already Hold the Wisdom

Motherhood isn’t something you master, it’s something you grow into, day by day. Your body, your heart, your instincts — they already carry so much knowing.

You are allowed to go gently.

To slow down.

To not have all the answers.

To rest.

To trust yourself — even when you feel unsure.

You are doing sacred, beautiful work.

And you don’t have to do it perfectly — just wholeheartedly.

The Joy of Becoming: Your Intuitive Motherhood Journey

Intuitive parenting, through the lens of Ayurveda and matrescence, is not about always knowing what to do — it’s about being in relationship with your child, your body, and your evolving self.

You are not just raising a child. You are being reshaped — emotionally, energetically, and spiritually.

So go gently. Trust the whispers of your heart. Nourish your body like the sacred vessel it is. Surround yourself with rhythm, warmth, and presence. And remember: You already hold the wisdom. Sometimes you just need a little stillness to hear it.