Hello, Motherhood
Becoming a mother is one of life's most profound transformations. It is a season filled with joy, exhaustion, uncertainty, and awe - sometimes all at once.
While every journey into motherhood is unique, many new moms share the same questions: Am I doing this right? Will I ever feel like myself again? The truth is, there is unfortunately no one-size-fits-all answer - but beauty can be found in learning, adapting, and finding your own rhythm. In the quiet moments, in the middle of the night feedings, in the endless diaper changes and the soft lullabies - you are showing up.
You may feel tired, unsure, or overwhelmed, but your love is loud, even in the silence. Take a deep breath. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can. Rest when it's possible. And know this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are growing right alongside your child. Everyday, even on the hard ones, you are becoming more of the mother your baby was born to love. You've got this. One moment at a time.
In this section we will explore gentle, practical tips to help you embrace motherhood - not just the picture perfect moments, but the messy and unexplainable ones too. Because motherhood isn't about being perfect-it's about being present, real and resilient.
~Resource Roundup ~
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If you are feeling lost, lonely, or exhausted beyond words - please know you're not alone. Talking to a therapist changed so much for me. You deserve that support as well.
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I invite you to reach out to one of the following centers to start your journey back to YOU!
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April Lancit & Associates
484-430-1811
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Dwell Therapy Collective
215-385-3095
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10 Tips for New Moms Embracing Motherhood
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1. Be gentle with yourself - You are learning something entirely new. Give yourself some grace and also permission to make mistakes as you learn to navigate this new territory. You will figure it out one diaper, cuddle, and tear at a time. Messy hair, scattered routines, and unfinished tasks are all part of this season. It's okay.
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2. Let go of perfection - there is no such thing as the "perfect mom." Carefully made dinosaur shaped sandwiches do not supersede the important role of your love and presence.
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3. Celebrate the Small Wins - Got the baby to latch? Pumped 4 oz? Took a Shower? That's a win. Celebrate the little victories - they matter and they count! Take photos, jot down milestones, or record voice notes. These will all one day be treasured memories.
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4. Sleep when you can - even 15-20 mins can make a huge difference. ​The laundry can wait. Sleep Deprivation is real.
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5. Trust your instincts - You know your baby better than anyone else. Learn to listen to that inner voice and trust it.
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6. Power Up! - Hydrate, snack smart, and move gently - your body is still healing and adjusting so take it easy mama.
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7. Don't ignore postpartum feelings - Baby Blues are normal, however if you feel persistently anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, talk to a professional.
*see resources below
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8. Have Mommy & Me Bonding Time- Skin-to-skin contact is calming for both you and baby. It also helps with breastfeeding. Talk, sing and make eye contact, even if they don't respond your baby is listening and soaking up your voice and expressions.
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9. Fed is Best - Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, or do both - what matters most is that your baby is nourished and loved.
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10. Ask for help (and accept it) - You were not meant to do this alone. It takes a village. Let others cook, clean, or hold the baby so you can rest. Connect with other moms - Shared experiences are comforting and validating.
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Tips for Building a Sleep Schedule for Your Newborn.
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If you are here, I already know what is going on: the bags under your eyes are giving "new mom realness," the coffee isn't strong enough, and your baby is over there acting like sleep is optional. First off, welcome to the club Sis. It's cute here, but we are tired.
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Listen, trying to get a newborn on a sleep schedule can feel like negotiating with a tiny CEO who is running your whole household. But don't worry - you are not alone in this. From one mama to another, I've got some tips that blend the good old-fashioned wisdom with what actually works in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep....except you and that baby. So let's get into it - and yes, go ahead and warm up that coffee again.
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First off a lot of mainstream advice doesn't always reflect our reality. Maybe you are balancing extended family involvement, going back to work earlier than expected, or just trying to navigate your own healing while meeting everyone's expectations. Give yourself some grace.
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1. Ditch the thought of a "Perfect Schedule" - and focus on a flexible routine instead. Newborns don't follow a clock nor do they come out knowing night from day- that takes time. What you are aiming to cultivate is a predictable rhythm, not a strict timeline. When you lay them a certain way in your arms, or when you go to grab the Nursing Cover they know it is time to eat. They tend to not be as fussy in that moment because they know what's coming which can make the transition that much smoother. Remember - flexibility is key, especially in those first 8-12 weeks.
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2. Set the Sleepy Time Vibe (Your Way)
Cultivate a bedtime flow that feels good to you.
Start with safety first of course (baby on back, firm mattress and no pillows or stuffed animals). Next, adjust the energy in the room....whether that is lighting a candle, some soft music, or reading a story with a positive message. The vibe and the consistency of the vibe matters. Babies pick up on our energy - so be sure to give calm. You will however have to begin teaching them the difference between day and night. During the day, you can open the curtains. Talk, laugh, have tummy time and sing songs. At night, you can dim the lights and keep the environmental sounds soft. Show them the difference - it won't take long for them to adjust naturally.
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3. Let Baby Lead the Way
Every baby is different, but trust your intuition - it's been passed down from generations of women before you. Your baby is already telling you when they need when they are yawning, fussing or that head keeps dropping like a bobblehead when they are fighting sleep..LOL. You just have to learn their language. Their cues will show you when it's time to start winding things down. The trick is to try to catch them before they are overtired and exhausted so that they go down easier and it stays in line with the Sleepy Time Vibe instead of a WWE Showdown.
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4. Trust the Process - Extend Grace
Some nights will feel like progress, others not so much. cluster feedings, teething, or a cold will definitely shake things up a bit. Don't translate that to you being a failure because you are not. It is all part of the journey. If nursing or bottle-feeding puts them to sleep - let it. Don't let social media shame you. But also try rocking, singing or letting them fall asleep in the crib sometimes so they don't need milk every time. This will come in handy if you are nursing when you get ready to start weaning. Also, when they are nursing at night try to rinse their mouths with water so that the sugar in your breast milk does not sit on their little teeth as they begin to come in. I learned this from our dentist.
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5. Don't Let Social Media Pressure You
Every baby you see sleeping 8 hours at 3 weeks on someone'e reel is just that, a highlight. Don't compare your baby to anyone else's. Some babies need more time - and that's okay. Your journey is valid, and your baby is right on time.
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From one mama to another - you've got this! You are giving your baby love, safety, and comfort - that matters more than any "perfect" sleep schedule.
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