My husband and I were beyond thrilled when we found out we were pregnant with our first baby girl in January 2023. We thought we were ready. But, as any new mom will tell you, "ready" doesn't really cover it—no amount of baby books or Pinterest boards or Facebook Groups can truly prepare you for the changes that are coming your way.
Our lives changed forever when our little one arrived, and she's honestly the light of our lives. It’s amazing how someone so small can take over your heart, your home, and every moment of your day. But, let me tell you, those first few months had me questioning our decision to grow our family. The sleepless nights, the constant adjustments, the learning curve that comes with just trying to keep your baby safe and happy—it was all part of a journey I couldn’t have imagined.
One thing I didn’t expect was just how vital my support system would become. I was lucky enough to be pregnant and have our first baby around the same time as three of my friends. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I would have made it this far without them. The texts we sent—about everything from postpartum depression to coping with a colicky baby who refuses to sleep—were a lifeline.
And then there were those moments when I wasn’t sure I was cut out for this mom thing. Ever had those? You know, the ones where you look at your baby and question if you really know what you’re doing? Spoiler alert: you don’t always know what you’re doing, but that’s okay. Having a circle of friends who were going through the same thing—and who didn’t hesitate to reach out—made all the difference. Those late-night texts, sharing the highs and lows, reminding each other that we’re not crazy, and that we’re not alone—it’s been life-altering.
As new moms, we go through so many changes—physically, mentally, emotionally. The physical changes are sometimes jarring. Your body doesn’t feel like it’s your own anymore. And those first few weeks after birth? They can be so overwhelming. But I think the hardest change, at least for me, was the mental shift. The moment you realize you’re now responsible for this tiny human, and somehow, in the process, you still have to take care of yourself.
The thing is, it’s easy to feel like you have to do it all alone. There’s this unspoken expectation that, as moms, we should have it all together. But let me tell you something: it’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s okay to ask for a break. It’s okay to reach out and say, “Hey, is this normal?” We all go through these changes, and when you have friends who understand what you’re going through—whether they’re going through it with you or they’ve been there before—it makes all the difference.
Kids teach you so much about yourself. You think you know what tired is before you have a baby, but let me tell you... you have no idea. Haha. But in all the tiredness, the challenges, and the messes, there are also so many beautiful, magical moments. The first giggle. The first time they reach for you. The first step. And through it all, knowing that you have a community of moms who get it—that’s what makes this journey so much more bearable, and dare I say, even fun at times.
So, if you’re a new mom or about to become one, don’t be afraid to reach out. Ask for the help. Share your worries and joys. Build that support system, whether it's with friends going through the same thing, family, or even a good online group of moms. You don’t have to do it alone—and you definitely don’t have to have all the answers.
We’re all figuring it out together, and that’s what makes this whole experience so special.