Medical experts: Mothers need to recognize their stress – and take a minute for themselves

Doctors say they see first-hand the toll life can take on moms.

Rose Shannon and Gillian Neff

May 14, 2023, 2:20 PM

Updated 595 days ago

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Many mothers are running on empty when it comes to their mental and physical health, according to new research.
Doctors say they see first-hand the toll life can take on moms.
"That stress manifests in a lot of different ways. Chest pains, shortness of breath, palpitations," said Dr. Susan Cheng, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
She says mothers need a minute to themselves – which sounds like an easy thing, unless they are running a household and caring for kids.
Dr. Cheng says it's time to recognize that stress and ask for help – and start getting enough sleep and prioritizing personal time.
"A 10-minute break just to say 'you know what, this is mom's time.' Maybe you're doing some meditation, a walk around your house, quiet breathing," says Cara McNulty of CVS Health.
McNulty recommends if things continue to exacerbate, mothers should speak with their primary care provider.
She says CVS Minute Clinics provide mental health assessments in-person and online.