Do you consider yourself an empath? Perhaps, you spend a lot of time mentally checking that your other family members are okay? And on the other hand, if you are criticised, it can sometimes feel like the end of the world? Does parenting often leave you feeling 'touched out', and an untidy house make you feel frazzled?

As a sensitive person, it can be hard being a parent. You may have to suppress your own needs to meet the demands of looking after a baby all day.

Being a highly sensitive person can make you a wonderful mother, attentive to your child's needs and any of those around you. However, it can also feel exhausting. Follow these 5 tips to help you feel good whilst being a great parent, and looking after yourself.

1. Take sensory breaks

Sit in a dark or quiet room. Try to make a place in your home feel like a retreat for you. Create a calm environment by using pillows, pleasant smells or anything that makes you feel comfortable. If you can't take time away, you could use some earplugs, you can still hear what is going on, but it may help reduce the noise setting.

2. Communicate what you need

Communicate your needs to your partner or family. For example, you may need to take some time out at times when you feel overwhelmed. Or it can also be the opposite; as a sensitive person, you may need more connection. This could involve creating small moments of togetherness by 'checking in' with each other during your day.

3. Create alone time

Build alone time into your schedule, ideally before you need it. It is always more helpful to prevent sensory overload rather than manage it after. You may not always feel like taking some time away from your baby due to worrying if they will be okay, but its benefits are enormous. Not only do you get some much needed time to yourself, but partners or family members will also get some bonding time and develop their skills in soothing and caring for the baby.

4. Practice self-care

Be kind to yourself. Your needs are valid. Show yourself kindness in moments of overwhelm by talking to yourself as you would do to someone you love. Practice self-care even when it feels difficult to make the time. Eating well and exercising will nearly always help to recharge. However, it is important to find what works for you to feel rejuvenated. Part of this self-care can involve taking days off social media - all of this adds to the noise in your head.

5. Take it easy

Don't put pressure on yourself to do all the things, attend all the baby classes and attend all the social events. Take rest days when you need to. Slow your pace down as much as possible. Learn to recognise your early warning signs and get in touch with what you need at that moment. Don't be afraid to set boundaries and protect your space; what and who you let into your space is very important and deserves to be protected.