Health authorities have unveiled new guidelines urging new mothers to increase their physical activity and improve their sleep habits, triggering widespread debate over the feasibility of these recommendations for parents of young infants. The advice, which is being “strongly encouraged” by medical experts, is rooted in growing evidence that exercise and quality sleep can support postpartum recovery—but many new parents and advocates are questioning whether such guidance truly reflects the day-to-day realities faced by mothers caring for newborns [The Guardian].
The suggestion that new mums should carve out time for regular exercise and restorative sleep has sparked a mix of humour and frustration among parents worldwide, including in Thailand. The lead commentary, published in The Guardian, highlights the lived experience of a new mother confronted with official advice to prioritise self-care, even as she manages the relentless needs of a baby. This resonates with countless Thai families, where childcare responsibilities are often shared across the extended family, but societal expectations for mothers remain high.
Medical bodies such as the UK’s National Health Service and the World Health Organization agree that physical activity is crucial for postpartum health, citing research linking moderate exercise to improved mood, reduced risk of postpartum depression, and faster recovery from childbirth [NHS, WHO]. However, healthcare providers acknowledge the significant barriers new mothers face, particularly lack of time and chronic sleep deprivation.
A 2024 study in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that over 60% of new mothers reported significant declines in both sleep duration and quality during the first six months after giving birth. The study’s lead author noted, “There’s a gap between what health experts recommend and what new mothers actually experience. Addressing that gap requires not just individual advice, but structural support systems” [BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth].
In Thailand, maternal mental health has become an increasing focus for public health officials. A representative from the Maternal and Child Health Division, Ministry of Public Health, pointed out that “postpartum depression, anxiety, and fatigue are widespread but under-discussed issues among new Thai mothers, partly due to social pressures and stigma.” Community health programmes are beginning to offer group exercise classes, sleep education, and peer support groups, aiming to make healthy habits more accessible and realistic for new parents.
Crucially, Thai traditions often see mothers receiving intensive support from relatives, especially during the “Yu Fai” postpartum rest period, when the new mother is cared for by family members. While this support can provide respite, modern urban lifestyles and work demands mean that not all mothers can access extended help, making the official guidance on sleep and exercise even more challenging to achieve.
Health professionals generally agree on the benefits of light activity, such as walking, yoga, or gentle stretching, which can be integrated into daily routines with an infant. However, they caution against rigid or guilt-inducing targets. “The important thing is flexibility and compassion—both for yourself and from society,” said a Bangkok-based midwife in a recent interview. “Small moments of movement or a brief nap can be just as significant for a new mum’s wellbeing as formal exercise classes or eight hours of sleep.”
Globally, the health sector is recognising the need for more holistic solutions: paid parental leave, flexible work policies, community postpartum care, and realistic health messaging tailored to parental realities. Critics of the new guidelines in the UK and elsewhere argue that, without wider structural changes, calls for regular exercise and improved sleep may only add to pressures felt by new mothers.
Looking forward, experts emphasise the importance of culturally relevant, compassionate health advice. In Thailand, integrating postpartum support into primary healthcare, expanding access to mental health resources, and fostering open conversations about maternal exhaustion are viewed as priorities. Further research is needed to develop guidelines that consider real-life obstacles, including economic stress, lack of childcare, and evolving family structures.
For new mothers and families in Thailand, the most actionable takeaway is to seek support where possible, embrace small changes, and communicate openly with healthcare providers about what is realistic and helpful. Community-based exercise groups, mindfulness activities, and neighbourly assistance can all contribute to a more supportive environment for new parents.
As one Thai family health advocate put it, “Taking care of a mother is just as important as taking care of a baby. Both need the village.”