Bringing Home Baby

The time has finally come—you get to take your baby home. This day brings with it a swirl of emotions: excitement, apprehension, awe, worry, relief, fear—the list goes on and on. Yet words probably can’t truly describe how you might be feeling in this moment. After all, for most women, it’s a unique blend of positive and negative emotions, and for many, it may be the first time such ambiguity has been felt so intensely.

This may leave you wondering: Is this what it’s supposed to be like? The answer is both yes and no. There is no “supposed to” in a moment like this; there is only what is. It might not be what you expected, and it might be different from what others have reported about their experience, and that’s okay. Parenthood will be filled with novelty, uncertainty, and uncontrollability. Embracing the fact that your experience won’t fit neatly into any definition of “normal” will help you accept things as they are and adopt an open mindset as you embark on this journey. Of course, this is easier said than done.

The postpartum period is a whirlwind, with hormone changes, sleep deprivation, and the steep learning curve of figuring out how to care for a newborn, while also navigating the changes in your other relationships and responsibilities.

Amid all of this, it remains critical that your needs and well-being are kept at the forefront and honored as equally important as all the other aspects of life. This is why I created the Happy, Healthy Mom Newsletter—to provide you with the tools and tips new parents need to continue caring for themselves while also adjusting to caring for a new life.

Subscribe with your email below to receive the support you need for the full first year postpartum.