I didn’t just expect to struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety. I knew they were coming.

If there’s one thing parenthood isn’t lacking, it’s opportunities for personal growth. For many, becoming a parent is a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from incredible joy and pure love to overwhelming self-doubt and bone-deep exhaustion. It’s a transformative journey like no other. You might feel exhilarated one moment and entirely drained the next. Amid all […]

Pregnancy and new parenthood are often painted as an idyllic time of joy, excitement, and bliss. While it’s true that becoming a parent is a beautiful time filled with many highs, it’s essential to acknowledge that it’s not all rainbows and butterflies.

A more accurate depiction of this life-altering transition period is that of an emotional rollercoaster. And we’re always down to have a candid conversation about the realities of early parenthood.

Let’s be honest, parenting is stressful! Becoming and being parents on the back end of a global pandemic only adds to that stress. Rather than focusing on ways to avoid stress, I’m here to share 7 ways to help your body and mind complete its stress response cycle and rebound following times of high stress. So grab your favorite drink, take a nice deep breath, and read on! 

It’s not uncommon for people to ask new parents, “can I hear your birth story?” For some listeners, there is great value in learning from the experiences of those who have given birth before them. For others, it can be healing and validating to hear birth stories that are similar to their own. When we remove any components of “competition” or fearmongering and focus on building a community for shared wisdom and support, there can be a mutual benefit from this exchange of stories.  

In 2018, my husband gave me the best Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever received, which (admittedly) was one I never thought I wanted. Momentarily wracking my brain, I tried to remember where I was in my cycle. Deciding I wasn’t in the mood to be the “bad guy,” I lost myself in the moment right along with him. I didn’t give it a second thought until about a month later. I was two days late when a girlfriend and I took a trip to Sephora.  When I could hardly stomach the samples of perfume, I was all but certain of my unexpected gift.

Celebrating your baby’s first birthday is a major milestone. No, your baby won’t remember what you did or how you celebrated. You don’t need to throw a big party or shower your little one with presents. But you should celebrate…and you should do it for you.

Have you ever felt like your baby is fighting sleep? You’re certain they’re exhausted, and yet, no matter what you do they just won’t give in to sleep. In fact, you know with certainty your baby just needs sleep. Frustrated, you let out an audible sigh and return to shushing and rocking, despite the dull ache in your weary muscles. Finally, after an hours-long battle of wills–or was it days?–your little one finally crashes into sleep. You put them down, certain they will sleep for hours after all of that effort, but within minutes, they’re up again crying for your help. 

As you move out of the intensity of the newborn phase, you’re still adjusting to your new normal as a parent. As you prepare to return to work, one thing is almost certainly true: things have changed.  Life looks far different than it did just a few weeks ago, let alone a few months ago.

Whether you stepped away from work in order to give birth or support a birthing person, the shift back can be a lot. Here are some insights and tips to consider as you prepare for your return and navigate the transition from “new parent” to “working parent.”

The journey into parenthood is an emotional rollercoaster. The newborn phase is no exception. For most new parents, there are moments of pure love, unlike anything they’ve ever felt before. The peace that can accompany time spent skin-to-skin. The purity of those first smiles and giggles. The incredulous joy of witnessing each developmental leap.  For […]