Why Traditional Meditation Advice Fails Mothers (And What Actually Works)
You deserve practices that work for your real life, not some idealized version of it. You deserve tools that meet you where you are because you are doing the absolute best you can.
And those tools exist. They're simpler than you think. And you're already capable of using them.
Starting right now. Starting with this breath.
Postpartum Anxiety vs. New Mom Worries: How Mindfulness Can Help You Tell the Difference
If you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is "normal," here's what I wish someone had said to me:
Trust yourself. If it feels like too much, it probably is. You're not being dramatic. You're not overreacting.
Postpartum anxiety is incredibly common. Up to 15-20% of new mothers experience it. You're not alone, and you're not broken.
It's not your fault. This isn't about not being strong enough or grateful enough or calm enough. It's a medical condition with biological roots.
You can get better. With the right support: therapy, mindfulness practices, possibly medication, community, you can feel like yourself again.
You don't have to suffer through it. There's this toxic narrative that motherhood is supposed to be overwhelming and miserable. But constant, consuming anxiety isn't a required part of the experience.
The Third Trimester
I think there’s a general misunderstanding between many moms-to-be and their providers that could be overcome with good communication. I had a great team that wanted to position my delivery and the baby for our best chance at success and I believe that. I could advocate for myself, ask questions, and gain clarity on the logic and process.
The Second Trimester
Here’s the thing. If I felt good in my first trimester, I somehow felt even better in my second. The reassurance of every passing week added to my stability, joy, energy. I got out in the sun more and more days and felt strong and happy to venture out. I didn’t really turn down any invites these months but I sure did sleep and rest a lot.
The First Trimester
I was extremely fortunate to have a fantastic first trimester. I remember some headaches and being tired, but nothing out of the norm. I kept waiting for something really bad to happen, or for me to be nonstop sick or unable to do certain things, but if anything, I felt very clearheaded, serene, alive, very calm, peaceful and collected. It was kind of a welcome change from my usual, and I understand why some women absolutely love being pregnant.