How Batch Cooking Helped Me Reclaim My Time and Find More Joy in Motherhood -

Introduction

I’m a mum who wants to do her best—for her baby, her home, and herself. Like many of us, I dreamed of slow, joyful days and nourishing home-cooked meals… but reality hit hard. I was overwhelmed, stretched thin, and constantly choosing between feeding my family well and simply getting through the day.

I faced the daily stress of trying to manage my time, while giving the best of myself to the people who matter most. Mealtimes became a source of guilt and chaos rather than calm.

This article will explore how batch cooking helped me shift from survival mode to enjoying slow evenings, warm dinners, and even family walks after tea. If you’re feeling maxed out and missing moments that matter, this might be the gentle solution you didn’t know you needed.

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My Story

After becoming a mum, I craved nourishing meals—but found myself reaching for takeout or toast again and again. I felt like I was failing. I didn’t want to give up on feeding my family well, but I couldn’t keep up with cooking every night from scratch either.

I’ll admit—I used to think batch cooking sounded intense. Like something only super-organised mums did. But once I gave it a shot (desperation will do that!), I realised it wasn’t about perfection—it was about permission. Permission to prep once and rest later. Permission to skip the guilt and reclaim a bit of peace.

Now? I reheat a homemade shepherd’s pie in ten minutes and use the time saved to sit with my daughter, go for a walk, or just breathe.

This small shift gave me back hours each week—and a sense of control I didn’t know I was missing.

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What is Batch Cooking for New Mums?

Batch cooking is simply prepping meals in larger quantities so you can serve them over several days. It’s about easing the mental load and reducing that constant “what’s for dinner?” pressure.

For new mums, it’s a lifeline. A quiet hero. It means you can rest when your baby naps instead of frantically chopping onions. It means dinner is handled even when you’re running on two hours of sleep.

How Does Batch Cooking Work?

Here’s how it fits into the life of a new mum like you:

1. Choose 2–3 Meals to Batch
Start small: think chilli, pasta bake, or overnight oats. Pick meals you know your family already loves.

2. Block a Prep Hour Once a Week
Pop on a podcast, wear the baby in a sling, or get your toddler to help wash veg. Batch prep doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen.

3. Store with Ease
Freeze or refrigerate your meals in family-sized or individual portions. Add labels. That’s it. You’ve built your backup plan.

4. Use Time Saved for You
Whether it’s a cup of tea while it heats or a family adventure to the park, that reclaimed time is golden. You’ve earned it.

Pros & Cons of Batch Cooking

✅ Pros:

Time saved: Cook once, eat multiple times.
Stress relief: No more last-minute dinner decisions.
Nourishment: Homemade meals you feel proud of.
Involvement: Toddlers can help—think pouring, stirring, tearing herbs.
Money saved: Fewer grocery trips, less waste.

⚠️ Cons:

Requires one chunk of focused time (but just once a week)
Some meals need testing to see what freezes best
Needs containers and a bit of freezer space

But the emotional benefit? Peace of mind. And that’s everything.

Conclusion

If you’re a new mum who’s trying to juggle everything—feeding your family, keeping the house ticking, staying present—then batch cooking is a gift you give yourself.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just doing it all. Batch cooking can gently lift that weight, one meal at a time.

If you’ve tried meal plans or winging it or just grabbing another takeaway, you’re not alone. But there’s a simpler way. A calm, confident way.

Let me show you how.

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