Mental Health & Self care

August 9, 2025

🖊️ By: Lindia Fame

You love your baby. You love your partner. But if one more person touches you today, you might actually scream.

Sound familiar?

That feeling has a name — “touched out.” And it’s more common than most parents realize.

👶 What Does “Touched Out” Mean?

Being “touched out” happens when your body and brain feel overwhelmed by constant physical contact — something that’s almost impossible to avoid in early parenthood.

You might feel:

• Irritated by even gentle touches

• Anxious when someone leans on you or wants a cuddle

• Exhausted by breastfeeding, babywearing, or co-sleeping

• Like you want to be alone, but can’t explain why
  And guess what? You’re not a bad parent for feeling this way. You’re human.

🧠 Why It Happens

When you're constantly "on" — holding, feeding, rocking, soothing — your nervous system doesn't get time to reset. Add in sleep deprivation and hormonal shifts, and your body starts to protect itself by withdrawing.

It's not a failure. It's a biological response to overload.

❤️ How to Cope Without Guilt

1. Take Physical Space When You Can

Even 10 minutes in a room alone can help. Sit by yourself. Stretch. Cry. Breathe. You don’t need a whole spa day — you need a moment.

2. Communicate Honestly

Tell your partner or support system: “I love you, but I’m feeling really touched out right now.” The people who care will get it (especially if you explain it).

3. Use Non-Touch Comforts

Try other ways to bond: eye contact, kind words, or just being near each other without touching.

4. Protect Your Evenings

Once your baby is asleep, protect that time like gold. Dim lights, no chores. Your body needs calm, not productivity.

5. Let Go of Guilt

This doesn’t mean you love your child less. It just means your body needs a break — and that’s okay.

🌿 A Self-Care Reminder

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths and yoga. Sometimes, it’s saying:

• “Not right now.”

• “I need a minute.”

• “Can you take the baby while I breathe?”
  
  

Self-care is boundaries.
Self-care is rest.
Self-care is self-respect.

🤍 You Deserve Support

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed for more than a few days, please reach out — to a friend, your doctor, or a mental health professional. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable.

You're not weak for struggling. You're strong for showing up anyway.

💌 Want more gentle reminders like this?
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