Motherhood is life-changing. And also really, really hard. Let’s talk about both.
To new and expecting moms (and their loved ones) — congrats, and welcome to the adventure.
There’s so much to look forward to.
I love being a mom. But I was shocked by how little we talk about the real postpartum experience. So I’m doing what I wish more moms had done for me: sharing what I’ve learned.
I’m not an expert. Not a therapist. Just a mom who has been there, twice.
If this helps even one new mom feel less lost, more prepared, and more confident, then it’s worth it.
Because when we share our experiences—the joyful AND messy—we make it easier, not harder, for other moms.
Postpartum prep is more than decorating the nursery and packing a 'go bag'. Set yourself up with support and realistic expectations--because that's what will make the biggest difference.
For expecting moms
What I’m glad I did (or wish I had) to prepare for postpartum
📝 Make a postpartum plan.
Outline expectations, preferences, and roles with your partner to smooth the transition to parenthood.
🤓 Learn the signs of PMHDs.
1 in 5 new moms (and 1 in 10 dads) experience perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs). Know the signs so you can recognize and get help early.
🏡 Rebalance household roles.
Chores multiple after baby. Talk now about who does what, then adjust as needed once baby arrives.
💼 Plan for maternity leave.
List key responsibilities, delegate tasks, and create a roadmap for your leave and return to work.
🌱 Understand matrascence.
Motherhood is a transformation. Give yourself time to adjust
📖 Read the manuals.
If possible, try and figure out complicated baby gear (car seats, breast pumps, carriers) before you need them.
🤝 Build your village.
Postpartum isn’t meant to be done alone. Line up help early before baby arrives.
💆🏻♀️ Protect your ‘me time’.
Overwhelm happens. Know what brings you joy and fills you up—then ask for it. You’ll be a better mom and partner.
😴 Get rest.
The early months are a marathon. Take care of yourself now so you have fuel for later.
Check out the tools, resources, and support that made a difference for me below.
For new moms.
Raising a baby is just one part of motherhood. Motherhood reshapes everything—your identity, relationships, and priorities. It’s also an opportunity to redefine who you are and what really matters.
Here’s what I learned in my first year of motherhood:
🌱 You’re raising a baby—and yourself.
It reshaped everything—my identity, priorities, and relationships.
💛 Nurture your relationship.
Love languages change after baby (acts of service? Yes, please!). Parenting is a team sport.
🫶 Find your people.
Joining a new mom group made me realize I wasn’t alone. Talking about the hard and messy helped way more than pretending everything was fine.
🚫 Let go of perfection.
Trying to be the perfect mom was exhausting. Being present, adjusting, and learning felt way better.
🌱 Recalibrate priorities.
Motherhood forced me to rethink my priorities. When I got clear on my values, I started making choices (work, parenting, self-care) that felt right for me.
🚫 Hard doesn’t mean I’m failing.
You and your baby ore both new to this. Motherhood is a full-time job. You’re not supposed to know everything right away (sleep, feeding, and more).
🔄 Let go of control.
For someone who loves to plan, I learned quickly that motherhood is not that. Flexibility made things a lot easier.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask for help.
Motherhood is not a solo job. It’s not only okay, but essential to ask for help.
📣 We can demand better.
The problem isn’t us. It’s the system—healthcare, employers, and policies weren’t built for moms. Once I realized that, I turned my guilt into action.
Check out the tools, resources, and support that made a difference for me below.
This site is for you, too. It really does take a village to raise a baby—and to support a new mom.
If you know a new mom, check in on them. Even if you haven’t experienced anxiety of depression yourself, someone you know has.
For partners & loved ones.
Here are good places to start:
🤓 Learn the signs of PMHDs.
1 in 5 new moms (and 1 in 10 dads) experience perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs). Know the signs so you can recognize and get help for mom (or yourself) early.
📝 Make a postpartum plan.
Talk about expectations, roles, preferences, and how you’ll navigate the transition together.
🩷 Advocate for mom’s mental health.
If something feels off, say something. Encourage her to talk to her Ob/Gyn or reach out to Postpartum Support International. Help is available.
🏡 Rebalance household roles.
Chores multiple after baby. Talk now about who does what, then adjust as needed once baby arrives.
🩷 Give mom extra love and care.
Becoming a mom is a major transition. Support her, not just the baby. When shopping for the baby, don’t forget about her needs too!
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s mental health, check out the resources below from Postpartum Support International.
Need a place to start?
There’s a lot of support out there, and it can be overwhelming. Knowing where to begin can be the hardest part.
I don’t offer professional services, but I do love helping moms find support.
Not sure where to start? Reach out—I’d love to help.