Postpartum Exhaustion and Overwhelm: How New Mums Can Cope

Lewis Steels

Sep 20

2 min read

Why Newborn Sleep Deprivation Causes Severe Postpartum Exhaustion

Managing a newborn causes a deep, cumulative postpartum exhaustion that affects your body completely differently than normal tiredness. Unlike standard fatigue, it alters your hormone levels and changes how your body handles daily stress.

A quiet, private sensory deprivation tank room at our Bristol studio, providing deep relief for postpartum exhaustion and new mum burnout.

The Physical and Emotional Signs of Postpartum Overwhelm

When you are dealing with heavy postpartum exhaustion, you might feel completely "touched-out," have a short fuse, or find yourself unable to switch off even when the baby is finally sleeping.

Why "Sleep When the Baby Sleeps" Doesn't Fix Postpartum Exhaustion

A quick nap doesn't fix true postpartum exhaustion because your brain stays in a constant state of hyper vigilance, listening out for cries. To recover, your nervous system needs a deep, distraction-free break from all sensory inputs.

What Genuine Nervous System Recovery Looks Like After Birth

True recovery requires an environment where absolutely nothing is demanded of you. Giving your body a physical break from being held, touched, or needed is essential to reset your overloaded nervous system.

Part of what makes early motherhood so exhausting isn't just the lack of sleep - it's that your body rarely gets a moment that isn't needed by someone else. Being touched, fed from, or listened out for constantly keeps your nervous system in a low-level state of alert, even during the rare quiet moments.

That's what makes an hour of floating different to an hour of "rest." No one needs anything from you. No noise, no light, no one touching you, nothing to listen out for - just your body in warm water, genuinely off duty. It's not a fix for the exhaustion of early motherhood, but it's one hour where your body gets to fully stand down.

If you're in Bristol and haven't had a moment that's completely your own in a while, this is worth having.

Book your first float at Immerse Float Therapy in Bristol - new customers get their session for £39.

Is your partner struggling with the hidden physical toll of a newborn? Share our guide on how [new dads can cope with exhaustion and overwhelm]

252 Central Business Park, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ

Postpartum Exhaustion and Overwhelm: How New Mums Can Cope

Why Newborn Sleep Deprivation Causes Severe Postpartum Exhaustion

The Physical and Emotional Signs of Postpartum Overwhelm

Why "Sleep When the Baby Sleeps" Doesn't Fix Postpartum Exhaustion

What Genuine Nervous System Recovery Looks Like After Birth

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Comments

Can I float with someone at the same time?

Float therapy is intended as a personal, deeply relaxing experience, unlike a couples massage where you share the space. If you wish to come with someone, please use our Double Bookings calendar.

Can I float while pregnant?

Yes! We strongly encourage it - The water is a warm 36º, around the same temperature as your body, so the baby is safe; unlike a hot tub that is heated to 40º.

Where are you based?:

Our float therapy centre is located at 252 Central Business Park, Petherton Road, Hengrove, BS14 9BZ, inside the Fit Body Bristol gym and Bristol Martial Arts Academy. Come up the stairs, turn left and you’ll walk right past us, you can't miss us.

Swim suit or birthday suit?

We encourage floating in your birthday suit because it enhances the sensation of weightlessness and helps you fully relax. If you’d rather wear a swimsuit, that’s absolutely fine - you’ll quickly forget it’s even there during your float session.

Do I need to bring a towel?

No need to pack a towel - we provide plenty of clean towels at no extra charge. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

What if I fall asleep while floating?

Falling asleep in the float pod is common and completely safe - you’ll stay afloat thanks to the high salt content. Soon after your session ends, the pod automatically begins its cleaning cycle, which will wake you up! No one has ever slept over their session time.

How will I know when my float session is over?

Each float pod has built-in speakers that act as a timer. If you float in silence, gentle music will automatically play during the last 5 minutes. If you choose music for the full session, it will simply stop when your float ends.

Should I arrive on time?:

Please plan to arrive around 10 minutes early for your float session. This allows time for a quick introduction to the facilities, especially if it’s your first visit.

What about footwear?

We ask that outdoor shoes are left outside the float room to keep it spotless. You’re welcome to bring clean indoor shoes or simply use the Crocs we provide.

Do I have to close the pod lid?

The pod lid is optional. A few people are hesitant at first but find that once they try floating with the lid down, it feels surprisingly comfortable and not claustrophobic at all. If you’d rather keep it open, that’s absolutely fine.

Is it pitch black?

The float pod can be completely dark if you want the full sensory deprivation experience. But if you prefer, you can keep gentle coloured lights on throughout your session.

Is it silent?

You can float in complete silence or with relaxing background sounds such as spa music, waves or nature sounds. Many first-timers start with half music, half silence to ease into the experience.