Alyssa Brade Shares Her Journey of Empowering Mothers and Overcoming Burnout

Navigating Modern Motherhood With Empathy, Resilience, And Practical Strategies

Alyssa Brade discusses the challenges of modern motherhood, the inspiration behind her book, and how she empowers mothers to prioritise self-care and mental wellness.

Alyssa Brade is an award-winning author whose work has become a vital voice in the conversation surrounding modern motherhood. With her Amazon best-seller Mommy Needs a Minute, Alyssa has not only captured the struggles of millennial mothers but also offered a beacon of hope for those navigating the overwhelming pressures of balancing family, career, and personal well-being.

Her book, which combines personal anecdotes with practical strategies, has resonated with mothers across the globe, empowering them to embrace rest and self-care as essential components of their wellness. Beyond her literary success, Alyssa is a committed maternal wellness advocate and co-founder of High 5 Thrive, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting parents and helping them combat burnout.

In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House magazine, Alyssa shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her writing, and the societal challenges modern mothers face. Through her words, she encourages us all to remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity—and that every mother deserves a moment to breathe.

We are thrilled to present the insights and wisdom of Alyssa Brade, an author whose work continues to inspire, uplift, and empower.

Alyssa Brade’s powerful insights and advocacy for maternal wellness have inspired countless women, providing them with practical tools and hope.

What inspired you to write Mommy Needs a Minute and focus on the struggles of millennial motherhood?

Motherhood hit me like a freight train—equal parts love and exhaustion, with a side of never going to the bathroom alone again. I wrote Mommy Needs a Minute because I saw so many moms—myself included—drowning in the pressure to do everything and be everything. Millennial motherhood is unique; we’re navigating parenting with more information than ever, yet we often feel more alone. Social media, unrealistic expectations, and the loss of the “village” have made it harder to admit when we’re struggling. I wanted to write a book that reassures moms that needing a minute doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.

How has your background in English and anthropology influenced the way you approach writing about maternal mental health?

My English background helps me craft relatable stories, while my anthropology studies highlight how cultural and social factors shape motherhood. The pressures modern moms face—burnout, guilt, and the need to “do it all”—aren’t just personal struggles; they’re reflections of societal values. Many cultures emphasize communal care, while ours glorifies self-sufficiency, often at moms’ expense. Mommy Needs a Minute isn’t just about my experience—it’s about challenging the systems that make moms feel like they’re never doing enough.

What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from readers of your book?

The most rewarding messages are from moms saying, “I finally feel seen.” Mommy Needs a Minute started as a book but became a movement, leading me to co-found High 5 Thrive. Our mission is to support burned-out parents, strengthen families, and remind society that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Can you share a specific personal experience that shaped the insights in your book?

At eight months postpartum and twelve weeks pregnant, I was juggling two jobs, full-time motherhood, and finishing my MA thesis—until my body shut down. One scorching day, I fainted while carrying my son down concrete stairs. I remember the sound of his skull hitting the pavement. In the ER, they told me he had a skull fracture and a brain bleed. We were airlifted to a pediatric hospital, where, by some miracle, the bleeding stopped on its own.

But the guilt didn’t. That moment showed me how deeply burnout and guilt are intertwined for moms. We push ourselves past exhaustion, convinced our worth is tied to how much we do. That realization shaped Mommy Needs a Minute, a book designed to challenge those expectations and remind moms that they don’t have to run themselves into the ground to prove their worth. If there’s one thing I want every mom to hear, it’s this: You’re worth the minute.

“You’re worth the minute.” – Alyssa Brade

In your opinion, what are the most common misconceptions about modern motherhood?

One big misconception about modern motherhood is the idea that “good moms” don’t need breaks—that loving your kids means you should never feel burnt out. This myth fuels the “mom wine culture,” where exhaustion and burnout are disguised as humor—turning serious emotional depletion into memes or reels with wine in hand and kids running wild in the background. While it’s relatable, it’s really a cry for help masked as a joke. Another misconception is the pressure to “enjoy every moment.” Social media paints motherhood as these perfect, picturesque moments, making us feel guilty when we’re not cherishing every second. The truth is, motherhood is messy, and it’s okay to have hard days.

“The truth is, motherhood is messy, and it’s okay to have hard days.” – Alyssa Brade

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being an author and a mother?

Balance is a moving target—some days it feels like I’ve got it all figured out, and other days it’s like I’m riding a unicycle, wearing a tinfoil hat, and juggling sippy cups in a thunderstorm. Toddlers are crying, someone’s hungry, and no one slept. And I still have a writing deadline.

In all seriousness, I’ve learned that consistency beats intensity. Instead of aiming for big, unsustainable bursts of productivity, I set small, manageable goals. I commit to 500 words a day—sometimes just 200 in busier seasons. It doesn’t sound like much, but in three months, that’s 60,000 words. The key is sticking with it. Progress adds up, even when it feels slow.

Through it all, I remind myself that my worth isn’t tied to how much I get done. Small steps lead to big results, and just like in motherhood, it’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up.

“Balance is a moving target.” – Alyssa Brade

What advice would you offer to other authors who are looking to write about personal experiences or mental health?

Be honest but intentional. Writing about personal experiences, especially struggles, can be healing, but it also requires vulnerability. Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of sharing this? Who will it help? 

I’ve spent a lot of time balancing deeply personal writing with storytelling in different genres. Right now, I’m working on two fiction novels, and even though they’re completely different from Mommy Needs a Minute, they still tap into that core theme—human resilience, connection, and the complexities of identity. Whether you’re writing nonfiction or fiction, the best stories come from a place of authenticity, even if you’re not writing your own.