Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. Wishing you all the best that 2025 has to offer!

Today’s Quote:

“It will get better and it will get worse. As so long as you have a beating heart in your chest, the sun will come up tomorrow and you will get to try again.”
- Jamie Lynn Hutchings

The first newsletter of 2025

This is the official first newsletter of the year! Celebrating the growth and looking forward to more this year.

What’s in it for you today?

• The sad truth about postpartum

• Editor’s note

• Postpartum fact

The Sad Truth About Postpartum: How Society Treats New Moms

I'm not going to sugar-coat it; postpartum is a tough journey, especially given the expectations put on new mothers. It's enough having to learn how to care for a new human being plus heal physically, mentally, and emotionally from birth. However, the sad truth about postpartum begins immediately after birth.

The outside pressures that seem to come knocking once the baby is born have become too loud to ignore. When new moms should be focusing on healing and bonding with a new baby, instead, they are inundated with expectations and opinions from others that turn into feelings of shame.

In a postpartum-related social media post, I asked new moms, "Why is it hard to ask for help/support during postpartum?" Their answers were heartbreaking.

• "Because society told us that moms have to do it all. And usually, we have dynamite mothers who we assume have done it all, or some have. We have been made to believe that if you love your child, they will become your whole identity. And that you should be able to do it all without help because that's what 'good' moms do."

• "Because society has given us this expectation of being perfect. It's expected of moms to know how to handle their emotions, and care for their new baby."

• "People only want to take your baby, while you're learning your baby and navigating postpartum. Then they make comments about your unwashed hair, untidy home, take-out meals, or incomplete tasks. But the baby isn't the 'problem,' it's the 19,283,729 things piling up around that no one offers to lighten your load with. Meanwhile, people come out of the woodwork to try to snuggle and hold your baby that you just gave birth to."

• "Currently dealing with this. Went to 3 urgent cares to have my baby seen. She was spitting up a lot. I called my spouse to let him know I wanted to drop the baby off at home afterward so I could take my niece home (she tagged along to calm the baby). He tells me, 'No,' because I should take the baby with me because I'm the mom and that's my role. I was so pissed. I can't stand when people play the 'mothers should do it all' card. He apologized. But I'm not ok. It's not ok."

Can we change the sad truth about postpartum?

Seeing all of the responses from mothers was discouraging. However, it made me curious about how to change these sad truths for all moms.

• Make a postpartum plan: Before you become postpartum, make a plan with those in your life who would be able to help you with things like the dishes, laundry, cooking, etc.

• Outsource: If you are able to, outsource house tasks. There are endless service providers who are willing to clean, cook, and even do laundry for you.

• Make your needs a priority: In the end, you are the one who will need to advocate for yourself. This means you will have to be the one to set boundaries and make your needs a priority.

• Communicate: If you don't speak up, nothing will change. You have to tell others what you need, how you feel, and how they can help.

• Share: Don't bottle up your postpartum experience. Share it so that others feel empowered and encouraged to make changes for themselves. The change can start with you.

The mothers who responded to my social media post about their sad truths about postpartum were brave in sharing their experiences. However, we don't have to accept that these are normal parts of motherhood. They may be "common," but they don't have to be the standard.

If you are experiencing what other moms have shared in this post, you are not alone. Motherhood is hard, but it's worth it. Keep advocating for yourself because when you thrive, so does your baby.

Editor’s Corner

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Mom Inspo:

Postpartum Fact:

Postpartum is more demanding on your body than pregnancy. This is due to the nutrient depletion your body experiences following birth in addition to healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Resource: The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Depression Guide

Postpartum Garden Top Picks:

Wise Mama Wipes

Tired of buying baby wipes that are full of toxins, added preservatives, and a laundry list of ingredients that you can’t even pronounce?

Introducing Wise Mama Wipes!

These baby wipes are made with natural, gentle ingredients. The brand uses ultra-soft, hospital-grade wipes that are infused with extra virgin coconut oil and pure castile soap. This combination makes them luxurious yet gentle for your little one’s delicate skin. Plus, they’re designed to be extra durable—no tearing or breaking apart when you need them most.

Best of all, Wise Mama Wipes is a small business owned by two mamas in the Austin, Texas area who are committed to bringing better products to our little ones. Check out Wise Mama Wipes on Facebook or place an order with them directly by emailing [email protected] (local delivery and shipping available).

Raising Mama

Dreaming about getting better sleep with your little one? Raising Mama has your back! Get longer stretches of sleep when you clothe your little one (newborn to 5T) with the sleep-enhancing CozyMama™ Bamboo pajamas!

• What’s so special about them?

• Thermo-regulating for peaceful sleep

• Soft and hypoallergenic to ease fussiness

• Ultra-stretchy

• Moisture-wicking to keep baby dry all night

What’s more is that with every purchase, Raising Mama makes a donation to support postpartum mental health. Check out the latest pajama patterns here and use code SAM20 for your discount!

Until next time!

Thank you so much for being here. If you have any questions or feedback, just hit that reply button. I respond to every email that comes through. Every time you engage with my newsletter, it helps my newsletter grow.

All the best,
Sam

P.S. I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this email.

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