Who Takes Care of Mum?

As a mum, I’m the one who keeps things running. I make sure everyone eats, gets enough rest, and is looked after when they’re sick. But what happens when I get sick too? Who steps in when the person holding it all together suddenly can’t?

This past week, our entire household was knocked down by a brutal stomach flu. My husband, our twins, and I—one by one, we all fell. It was relentless. Usually, when someone in the family gets ill, I slip into caregiver mode, automatically juggling medicine, comfort, and clean-ups. But this time? I could barely lift my head off the pillow.

And yet, the world didn’t stop. The kids still needed cuddles, the house still needed attention, and life still had to move forward. I found myself stuck in that impossible place so many mums know well—being desperately unwell while still needing to show up for everyone else.

The Mental Load Doesn’t Disappear

Even in my weakest moments, my brain didn’t switch off. I worried about whether the kids were hydrated, whether my husband (who was also sick) had enough strength to manage, whether the laundry pile of sick-covered sheets would grow too overwhelming. There’s no off switch for a mother’s mind, even when her body is begging for rest.

Leaning on Others—Even When It’s Hard

If I’m honest, I struggle to ask for help. Maybe it’s the ingrained idea that mums should just power through, or maybe it’s the guilt of feeling like I’m letting my family down when I’m not at my best. But this time, I had no choice. My husband and I had to take turns resting, even if it meant the house was a disaster for a few days. We had to accept the offers of help—whether it was a friend dropping off supplies or a kind message reminding me to drink water.

And you know what? The world didn’t fall apart. The kids survived, the house eventually got tidied, and I slowly started to recover.

Mums Need Looking After, Too

This experience was a reminder that as much as we care for everyone else, we also need care. Whether it’s from a partner, a friend, or even just ourselves—giving ourselves permission to rest is just as important as all the other things we do.

So, to the mums out there who have found themselves sick in a house full of little ones, barely making it through the day—I see you. You are not alone in this. And next time, when someone asks if you need anything, take them up on it. Because even mums deserve to be looked after.

Have you ever struggled with this? How do you manage when you’re unwell? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

A soft, inviting space for self-care and rest.