Returning to work after having a baby is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. It’s a significant milestone that can bring a mix of pride, anxiety, and guilt. For many new parents, this transition means not only adapting to a new daily routine but also coping with the emotional strain of being away from their baby for extended periods. If you're approaching this chapter, know that you're not alone and that preparation, both physically and emotionally, can make a world of difference.

The Emotional Reality of Returning to Work
One of the biggest challenges new moms and dads face when returning to work is the emotional tug-of-war that comes with leaving their baby in someone else’s care. Whether your little one is staying with a family member, a nanny, or going to daycare, it can be heart-wrenching to walk away each morning knowing someone else will witness their smiles, feedings, and firsts during the day.

Common emotional challenges include:

• Guilt about not being there every moment.
• Separation anxiety—not just for the baby, but for you, too.
• Fear of missing out on milestones.
• Overwhelm from juggling work responsibilities and parenting.

These feelings are normal and valid. But with time, structure, and support, it does get easier.

Preparing Physically: Establishing a New Routine
The key to easing back into work is creating a routine that supports both your well-being and your baby's needs.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Practice the Morning Routine Early- A week or two before your official return, do a few trial runs of your morning schedule. Wake up at the time you would for work, get yourself and your baby ready, and leave the house as if you’re heading to work. This helps both of you adjust to the rhythm without the pressure of a real workday.

2. Build a Consistent Sleep and Feeding Schedule- Work with your baby to find a predictable sleep and feeding schedule that aligns with your working hours. This will help the person caring for your baby maintain consistency, which is comforting for babies and reassuring for you. If you are planning to pump while you are working, be sure to make the necessary arrangements to be able to do so (pumping space, scheduled time for pumping sessions and milk storage).

3. Prepare Meals and Outfits Ahead of Time- Evening preparation is a game-changer. Lay out clothes, prep bottles, pack your lunch, and organize your baby’s diaper bag the night before to minimize morning stress.

4. Prioritize Self-Care- Returning to work isn’t just about your baby—it’s also about you. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and incorporating some gentle movement (even a walk counts). A healthy mom is a happier, more present mom.

Preparing Emotionally: Coping with Separation and Change
1. Visit and Trust the Caregiver- Spend time getting to know the caregiver or daycare staff. Observe how they interact with your baby and ask plenty of questions. Feeling confident in who’s caring for your baby can ease separation anxiety and help you focus at work.

2. Start with Short Separations- Ease into longer days apart by starting with shorter separations if possible. Begin with a few hours and gradually extend the time. This allows both you and your baby to adjust more gently.

3. Stay Connected During the Day- Ask your caregiver to send updates or photos throughout the day. A quick message can offer enormous comfort and help bridge the distance.

4. Create Special Rituals- Make the most of the time you do have. Create simple morning or bedtime rituals that are just for you and your baby. Whether it's singing a special song, reading a book, or snuggling before bed, these moments will be cherished and help strengthen your bond.

5. Give Yourself Grace- Some days will be harder than others. There may be tears (from both of you), forgotten items, or guilt that creeps in unexpectedly. Allow yourself to feel all of it without judgment. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough.

The Honest Truth: parenting is hard. Not just “I’ve-been-up-all-night” hard, or “my-toddler-just-flushed-my-keys” hard. I'm talking next-level hard. And while sleep deprivation, mystery stains, and the eternal search for matching socks play their part, there's one sneaky culprit that makes this whole parenting thing truly bananas:
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Everyone suddenly becomes a parenting expert.

Yep. The real reason parenting is so hard? It’s not your baby. It’s your great aunt Carol, your neighbor Sharon, the random barista who just “has to say something,” and don’t forget the infinite scroll of contradictory advice from Instagram moms who look like they haven’t ever had spit-up on their sweaters. The real reason parenting is so hard is because everybody has an opinion on how YOU should parent YOUR child(ren). How Sway?!

You bring your baby to the park and someone tells you they’re underdressed. Another tells you they’re overdressed. One stranger says co-sleeping is the only way, while another gasps in horror that your baby isn’t in their crib at 7:03 p.m. sharp.

If babies came with instruction manuals, every page would be written in a different handwriting—with conflicting advice in the margins.

Welcome to the wild ride of unsolicited parenting wisdom.

But here’s the thing no one tells you enough (unless you’ve got that one cool friend who keeps it real):
You’re allowed to ignore the noise. In fact, you should.

Because the truth is, nobody—not your mom, not your pediatrician (okay, maybe a little bit your pediatrician), and definitely not that Facebook mom’s group—is raising your baby. You are. And you’re going to get a lot of things right. You’re also going to mess some stuff up. That’s called parenting. It’s not a mistake, it’s how it works.

Every cry, every giggle, every midnight panic-Google (please don't Google) builds your parenting muscle. You don’t learn how to parent by reading all the blogs (yes, including this one—ironic, I know). You learn it the old-fashioned way: by doing it. By trial. By error. By rerouting. And by trusting that little voice inside you that says, “Okay, I’ve got this. I think.”

So, the next time someone offers you the tip that “saved their baby’s sleep/feeding/sanity,” smile politely. Say “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” And then do whatever the heck you think is right. Because you're not raising their baby. You’re raising yours. And you're doing great—even if your shirt is inside out and your toddler just ate a crayon.

Hang in there, trust your gut, and remember: no one knows your baby like you do.
Someday you’ll get to give your own unsolicited advice. Just think of it as a rite of passage.

​Giving birth is a most assuredly a transformative experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But one aspect that often doesn’t get enough attention is the impact childbirth can have on the pelvic floor. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, your pelvic floor muscles have supported you through pregnancy and birth, and they deserve some care and attention during your postpartum recovery.

Let's explore what the pelvic floor is, why it’s so crucial to your well-being after childbirth, and practical ways to strengthen it during the postpartum period.

What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that stretch like a hammock from your pubic bone to your tailbone. These muscles support key organs including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They also play a critical role in urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.

Why is Pelvic Floor Health Important Postpartum?
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor carries the increasing weight of your growing uterus. Then, during vaginal birth, these muscles stretch significantly, sometimes tearing or weakening. Even if you had a cesarean section, pregnancy alone can put strain on the pelvic floor.
Common postpartum issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction include:

• Urinary incontinence (leaking when you cough, laugh, or sneeze)
• Pelvic organ prolapse (when organs like the uterus or bladder drop into the vaginal canal)
• Pain during sex
• Lower back or pelvic pain

These symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to just “live with.” Strengthening your pelvic floor can help restore function, improve comfort, and support your long-term health.

When Can You Start Pelvic Floor Exercises?
Generally, you can begin gentle pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegels, within a few days after birth, especially if you feel ready and comfortable. However, every birth is different, so it’s essential to:

• Listen to your body
• Follow any specific guidance from your healthcare provider
• Wait for clearance at your postpartum check-up (usually around 6 weeks) before starting more intense exercise

You can also be proactive about your pelvic floor health and begin seeing a PFT during pregnancy.

How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Postpartum
Here are simple, safe ways to start restoring your pelvic floor health after birth:
1. Kegels- These are small but powerful contractions that help rebuild strength and endurance in your pelvic floor.

• Tighten the muscles as if you’re trying to stop the flow of urine
• Hold for 3–5 seconds, then release
• Repeat 10 times, a few times a day

Pro tip: Avoid doing Kegels while actually urinating, as this can lead to bladder issues over time.

2. Pelvic Tilts- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Gently tilt your pelvis so your lower back presses into the floor, then release. This helps engage your deep abdominal muscles along with the pelvic floor.

3. Diaphragmatic Breathing- Deep breathing helps reduce intra-abdominal pressure and allows the pelvic floor to move naturally.

• Inhale deeply, expanding your belly
• Exhale slowly, gently drawing in your pelvic floor muscles

4. See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist- If you’re dealing with discomfort, incontinence, or just want expert support, a pelvic floor PT can create a personalized plan to help you recover safely and effectively.

Pelvic floor recovery isn’t a race. Healing takes time, and every body is different. Rest, hydration, and gentle movement are all part of the equation. And remember: asking for help, whether from your OBGYN, a physical therapist, or a postpartum coach, is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Caring for your pelvic floor after childbirth is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health and quality of life. Whether you’re newly postpartum or a few years into parenthood, it’s never too late to start. Strong doesn’t mean “bouncing back”, it means building back better, with awareness, support, and self-compassion.

Got questions? Contact me for resources and recommendations for local pelvic floor therapists.

​Parenthood is a rollercoaster—equal parts joy, terror, and mystery odors. Some days you're crushing it and other days you're barely hanging on and giving it just enough to keep everybody alive. The truth? Raising kids is weird, messy, loud... and absolutely hilarious. If you know where to look (hint: everywhere), the humor in parenthood is not only real, it's what will keep you sane.

1. The Comedy is in the Chaos
The toddler tantrum over the “wrong” color cup. The six-year-old logic that explains how underwear is optional at school. The teen who’s suddenly embarrassed by the way you breathe. These moments are comedy gold—eventually. Maybe not in the moment, but give it time. Or a group text with your best parent friends.
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Need reassurance?
Check out “Sh*t My Dad Says” by Justin Halpern, which began as a Twitter account and evolved into a hilarious memoir of growing up with a brutally honest (and unintentionally funny) father. It’s a reminder that even the most off-the-wall parenting moments make for the best stories later.

2. Lower the Bar (And Your Expectations)
Perfection is a trap. Let go of the Pinterest-worthy bento boxes and embrace the chicken nuggets. Your child will survive mismatched socks and cereal for dinner. The real parenting wins are surviving Target with toddlers or managing to drink your coffee before it gets cold.
For a perfect dose of reality, “Toddlers Are Aholes: It’s Not Your Fault” by Bunmi Laditan delivers a painfully accurate (and funny) look at life with tiny, irrational dictators. She reminds us all that it’s okay to laugh at the absurdity of parenting life—because that’s what it is: absurd.

3. Kids Say the Darndest (And Most Terrifying) Things
Children are unfiltered little truth bombs with a gift for mortifying their parents in public. Their questions, observations, and bedtime stall tactics are often unintentionally hilarious.

Take comfort in “I Heart My Little A-Holes” by Karen Alpert, a laugh-out-loud collection of parenting mishaps, awkward moments, and brutally honest truths. Alpert’s self-deprecating style gives all parents permission to laugh at themselves—and their offspring.

4. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you remember picture day? Amazing. Got your child to eat something green? You’re a wizard. Laughed at a poop joke? Welcome to the club. Parenthood is built on these small victories and the ability to find joy (or at least sarcasm) in them.

For inspiration, revisit “Go the Fk to Sleep” by Adam Mansbach, the picture book for grown-ups that perfectly captures the bedtime battle—and your inner monologue. Bonus: there’s a version read by Samuel L. Jackson that deserves a spot in the Parenting Hall of Fame.
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5. Share the Struggle
Some of the funniest parenting moments come from swapping stories with other sleep-deprived grown-ups. Community is key. Whether it's a mom group, a dad podcast, or a 2 a.m. Reddit thread titled "Is this rash normal?", laughter connects us.

Don’t miss “How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids” by Jancee Dunn, which tackles the relationship side of parenting with humor, honesty, and actionable advice for keeping your sense of humor—and your marriage—alive through the trenches.

Parenting isn’t a sitcom, but it sure has the material for one. So the next time your kid draws a mustache on the cat or announces loudly in public that “Mommy tooted,” take a breath and laugh. These are the moments you will retell at their graduation party... or wedding... or to their therapist. After all, if we can't laugh at parenting, we’ll probably just cry into that day-old coffee. And that’s just no fun.

Welcome to the wild, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering world of parenthood. That first year after your baby arrives? It’s a whirlwind. You will survive off of cat naps and cold coffee. You won't see or talk to your friends for months at a time. The words "clean up" will mean something completely different after a few weeks. You will think about things you have never thought of before like death from lack of sleep or cracked nipples. You will do things like dance to Prince at 2 a.m. just to get your baby to stop crying. And sometimes you will wonder what you were thinking when you wanted to have a baby. But the first year is also equal parts joy, exhaustion, and recalibration of your entire life. 

You’ll hear advice from every direction, but there are some truths you don’t hear enough about. So let me tell you the real deal about what to expect, how to survive, and maybe even thrive during that unforgettable (and often unforgiving) first year.
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1. Just Like Marriage, the First Year Is the Hardest
Bringing a baby home is a dream come true… and also a shock to the system. You're navigating sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, feeding schedules, and a brand-new identity as “Mom” or “Dad.” It’s not uncommon for couples to experience tension during this time. You’re both stretched thin. Be patient with each other. Communicate often. Laugh when you can. And remember: this is a season — not forever.

2. You and Your Partner Will Have Different Parenting Styles
One of you may be laid-back. The other may Google every symptom at 2 a.m. You might handle crying with cuddles, and your partner with rocking and pacifiers. Different isn’t wrong, it’s just different. Work together to find a middle ground. Respect and trust each other. Your baby will benefit from seeing both of you show up with love, even in your own unique ways.

3. Children Change Everything, Including Your Marriage
Your life as a couple takes a backseat to bottles, burp cloths, and baby giggles. The freedom you once had to plan spontaneous date nights? Gone (for now). But with intentional effort, your marriage can not only survive, it can grow. Let your partner know you still see them. Prioritize time to connect, even if it’s just a hug in the kitchen or a whispered “I love you” over a mountain of laundry.

4. Intimacy Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury
We’re not just talking about sex—although that, too, when you're ready. Intimacy in the first year is about touch, emotional closeness, and feeling like a team. Don't let exhaustion steal that bond. Find your rhythm again. Sometimes, intimacy looks like holding hands while watching baby sleep. Other times, it’s a heartfelt conversation after midnight feedings. Keep choosing each other.

5. Relationships Will Change (Be Prepared to Lose Some)
It’s painful, but true. Not everyone will stick around once you enter parenthood. Some friends won’t understand why you can’t text back or why you keep canceling plans. Some family members might not support your choices. Let them go with grace. The ones who matter will show up. And you’ll find new connections — in playgroups, in your neighborhood, even online — with people who get it.

6. Go Out — Even If It’s With the Baby
Yes, it’s a hassle to pack the diaper bag, time feedings, and navigate the world with a baby in tow. Do it anyway. Fresh air and a change of scenery are crucial for your mental health. Grab coffee. Take a walk. Go to the bookstore. Even a trip to the grocery store can feel like a mini vacation in those early months.

7. Time Management Will Be Redefined
Forget the old to-do lists. Success now looks like everyone got dressed today or you remembered to eat lunch before 3 p.m. Time becomes elastic and weird. You’ll become a master multitasker—answering emails while rocking a baby, folding laundry during naps, and scheduling showers like military operations. Flexibility is your new superpower.

8. Know the Signs of Mental Health Distress
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real. They don’t make you a bad parent. They make you human. If you're crying more than usual, feeling numb, irritable, or disconnected, don’t brush it off. Talk to your doctor. Reach out to a friend. Therapy and support groups can be life-changing. You deserve to feel like you again.

9. Always Have a Camera Nearby
These moments—the sleepy smiles, the first laugh, the way your baby wraps their hand around your finger — they go by fast. Capture them. Even the messy, imperfect ones. You’ll be so glad you did when you're looking back, wondering how they grew up so quickly.

10. Don’t Stress Over Developmental Milestones
Every baby is on their own timeline. Some crawl at six months, others not until ten. Some sleep through the night early, others don’t until toddlerhood. Comparison steals joy. Trust your instincts and your pediatrician — not Instagram.

11. Your New Normal: Work-Life Balance, Redefined
Returning to work? Staying at home? Building a side hustle during naps? However your days are structured, balance isn’t about equal time, it’s about presence. When you’re with your baby, be with them. When you’re working, give yourself permission to focus. You won’t always get it right. That’s okay. You’re learning. And that, in itself, is parenting.

The first year of parenting is a masterclass in growth—for you, your partner, and your baby. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And it’s okay if it doesn’t look picture-perfect. Breathe. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins. And remember: you’re not alone.