Postpartum is one of those seasons that everyone talks about… but somehow no one fully explains. You hear about the sleepless nights and the love you’ll feel, but not always about the emotional whiplash, the healing, or the strange mix of gratitude and exhaustion that shows up all at once.
Whether this is your first baby or your second (or third), postpartum looks different every time. Here’s what this season has really been like for me — the good, the hard, and everything in between.
Your Body Is Healing While Your World Is Changing
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about “bouncing back” — it’s about slowing down, even when life doesn’t. Your body just did something incredible, and healing takes time. Some days you feel okay, and other days even getting dressed feels like a win.
Give yourself permission to rest. To sit. To not rush. Healing isn’t linear, and comparing your recovery to someone else’s will only make it harder.
The Emotional Rollercoaster Is Real
One minute you’re staring at your baby in complete awe, and the next you’re crying over absolutely nothing. Hormones are wild postpartum, and those emotional swings are normal — even when they feel overwhelming.
You’re not ungrateful.
You’re not failing.
You’re adjusting.
And adjustment takes time.
Adding a New Baby Changes Everything (Even When You’ve Done This Before)
Postpartum with a toddler feels especially layered. You’re learning your newborn while still showing up for your older child, managing guilt, dividing attention, and figuring out a brand-new rhythm.
Some days feel beautifully chaotic.
Some days feel like survival mode.
Both are okay.
Rest Looks Different Now — And That’s Okay
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Sometimes it’s:
- Sitting on the couch during a contact nap
- Saying no to visitors
- Letting the laundry pile up
- Ordering takeout without guilt
Postpartum isn’t the time to “do it all.” It’s the time to protect your energy.
It’s Okay If You Don’t Love Every Moment
This one matters. You can love your baby deeply and still not love the postpartum phase. Two things can be true at the same time.
You’re allowed to miss your old routine.
You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed.
You’re allowed to say this is hard.
That doesn’t make you a bad mom — it makes you human.
Small Things That Helped Me Postpartum
A few simple things that made this season feel more manageable:
- Keeping expectations very low
- Getting dressed, even if it was just leggings and a clean top
- Letting my toddler “help” with the baby
- Having easy snacks and meals ready
- Asking for help (and actually accepting it)
Sometimes support looks like someone holding the baby. Sometimes it looks like someone taking the toddler outside. Both matter.
A Gentle Reminder If You’re in This Season Too
You are doing better than you think.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
This phase won’t last forever — even on the longest nights.
Postpartum is not about perfection. It’s about grace, patience, and taking things one hour at a time.
If you’re in the thick of it right now, you’re not alone 🤍