Hi, I’m Amy, and I’m a mom.
I have three children, ages 4, 6, and 9. During the day, I work as a speech-language pathologist in a skilled nursing setting, and in my spare time I do postpartum education.
I developed a passion for helping new moms after becoming one myself and realizing that many of us are left to our own devices to figure out postpartum. Where is the guidance?! The sense of community? It turns out, there is a wonderful confluence of moms in this niche online, you just have to look for it.
After sharing my experiences and tips I’d acquired along the way with my online audience, I wanted more. I enrolled in a program through Girls Gone Strong (an amazing organization) for Pre & Postnatal coaching, which focused mostly on postpartum physical recovery but also touched on mindset, nutrition, and seeing a new mom as a whole person and not just a set of symptoms.
I wanted to help prospective and new moms, but I wanted to make sure any guidance I provided was evidence-based and supported by the professionals who work with postpartum women every day. This program provided me with that foundation, and my education throupled with my personal experience as a mom and ability to read research papers is what has helped me provide quality content and build trust with my audience.
All this to say, over the years I have compiled some tenets of postpartum that I feel can be universal for new moms everywhere.
Here are my postpartum truths:
1. Healing takes time.
Even when you start to feel better, you need to continue to rest and take it easy if you can. Your body just went through a giant transformation. Doing too much, too soon can have physical consequences for years to come.
2. Breastfeeding is hard.
Even when it works well, it is challenging. Thankfully, we have options. Breastfeeding support and information are attainable now more than ever for those who want and need it, and it often gets much easier after the initial learning curve. If you choose to use formula, there are plenty of options to fit your baby’s needs. Breastmilk, formula, or a hybrid of the two are all valid feeding methods, so you can feel confident to make the choice that works best for YOU.
3. Mental health is paramount.
Read up on the symptoms of baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. Talk to friends, family, or professionals about your struggles. You do not have to do this alone. In addition to talk therapy and medication, there are ways you can foster your own self care at home to improve mental health outcomes.
4. Your body is a freaking miracle.
You just created and sustained a new life. You brought your baby earthside and this body of yours deserves the utmost grace, care, and appreciation.
5. Taking care of yourself will make you a better mom.
You need to fill your own cup. If you expect your family to thrive, you must be good to its life force- which is you. This mindset will shift the “selfless mom” narrative that doesn’t actually serve anyone.
6. Asking for help is a flex.
Identify who you can rely on, and lean on them whenever you can. We were not meant to take this on alone. People want to help- let them. There will be ample time to return the favor.
7. Your body needs nourishment.
Now is not the time for restriction. You need to replenish nutrients and hydrate if you are going to heal adequately.
8. Guilt spoils rest.
Rest and recovery are crucial at this time. It is utterly unproductive for you to feel guilty about resting. Accept that you are in need of care, and soak up the snuggles and relaxation whenever you can.
9. I am the best mom for my baby.
I put this one in the first person, because I want it to be a mantra for each of you reading this. Have confidence in your decisions and your gut feelings. You may not have it all together, but you are enough, and you’ll learn over time.
Are there any core postpartum lessons you would add? Which one of these spoke to you the most? Let everyone know in the comments, because those who come after us need us, even if they don’t know it yet.
xo, Amy
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