1. Taking care of yourself is not optional anymore, it’s a necessity.

Go for a drive in nature, take a bath with bath bombs and listen to music, sit outside on the porch with a coffee, and don’t hesitate for even a second.

It is vital to be able to fill yourself up with self-love in order to be there for your family. So it’s selfless, really.

2. It is incredibly hard to admit you need help, but it is also vital.

If you want to heal, you need support, plain and simple. Ask for help and let go of any ego.

Speak to others who have been there and who can understand your struggle. Whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or a family member. Write it down in a journal.

3. Mom guilt is real. In this new phase of life, suddenly, everyone seems to have an opinion on your life. Now combine the two and you have a winner.

Be gentle with yourself and stop giving a shiz about other people’s opinions. The only opinion that truly matters is your own. Mama, you know what’s best for your child- trust yourself.

4. Eating, drinking, and napping is especially important because of all the exhaustion. It’s like really really important. Extra bonus is getting in some sunshine, it has powerful healing properties.

5. Postpartum is lonely.

6. Having a baby is the most beautiful gift in the entire world and yet it’s simultaneously confusing to experience all the different types of emotions.

There is so much to adjust to with your newfound motherhood in addition to your hormones being out of wack. Let yourself feel all the emotions- good and bad. Then find some tools or solutions to give yourself a boost.

7. Your partner is equally responsible for your child. That said, after everything you’ve been through, it’s extra thoughtful (and needed) when your partner goes above and beyond/ takes on more.

I’m thankful for Menachem being such a blessing and running a bath for me when he sees I need it or telling me to go out on my own for a few hours…. He is my rock, and I wouldn’t be able to manage if not.

8. Baby blues + postpartum depression is very real.

It weighs you down and it can be difficult to get things done when feeling so heavy like that. Remember, it will pass.

Open up to others when every part of you feels like hiding and crawling up into a cocoon.

9. Be proud of yourself and appreciate the little things.

Time is too short to dwell on negativity. Easier said than done but take the time to remember what you are grateful for. Be present and do joy-filled things. The newborn stage could be chaotic, but learn to embrace the priceless moments with your new, beautiful family.

You are a rockstar. Focus on one day at a time. Always remember how badass you are for birthing and raising a child. It is incredibly hard and you are doing amazing.

Will the thing you are worried about matter in 5 years? No? Then drop it. Live in the moment and stop overthinking it.

10. Keep some daily habits, routines, and goals other than the baby.

It’s important to feel good about yourself as a person independent of your family. Still continue to work on yourself and do things that make you feel accomplished and happy separate from your family. For you alone.