Beyond Mother’s Day: Supporting New Moms Through the Journey of Motherhood

Mother’s Day is a beautiful celebration of love, appreciation, and gratitude for the incredible women who nurture and shape our lives. But as the flowers begin to wilt and the cards are tucked away, new mothers are still left navigating the complex, overwhelming, and often isolating transition into motherhood.

Becoming a mother is a profound transformation, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s a journey filled with breathtaking moments of joy, but also sleepless nights, self-doubt, and a level of exhaustion that words can’t quite capture. As the world moves on from the festivities of Mother’s Day, it’s important to ask: How can we continue to support new mothers beyond just one day of recognition?

If you are a new mother reading this, take a deep breath. You are not alone. You are doing better than you think. And most importantly, you got this, Mama.

For those of us who have new mothers in our lives—friends, family members, partners—there are meaningful ways we can help them protect their mental health, ease their burdens, and remind them that they are seen, supported, and valued.

The Silent Struggles of New Mothers

The postpartum period is often idealized, depicted on social media as a time of blissful bonding and endless joy. But the reality is much more complex, and for many new mothers, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. The truth is, the first few months (and sometimes longer) after childbirth can be a challenging time for a mother’s mental health.

In addition to the physical recovery from childbirth, many mothers face emotional and psychological hurdles that are rarely discussed in mainstream media. Postpartum depression (PPD), which affects about 1 in 7 mothers, is one of the most common mental health conditions following childbirth, yet it often goes undiagnosed or untreated. Along with PPD, many new mothers experience postpartum anxiety (PPA), which can cause persistent worry, panic attacks, and an overwhelming sense of fear about the baby’s well-being.

The hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth play a major role in these struggles. These natural changes in estrogen and progesterone can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Alongside hormonal changes, lack of sleep, physical exhaustion, and the constant, sometimes overwhelming, demands of caring for a newborn exacerbate these mental health challenges.

The societal pressure on mothers to “do it all” and be constantly joyful or grateful for their new role can also intensify feelings of inadequacy. The reality is that many new mothers do not feel this way at all. Instead, they may feel exhausted, alone, and even trapped. The expectation to embrace motherhood as a perfect, blissful experience can prevent new moms from speaking up about their struggles, leaving them isolated in their emotional battles.

How We Can Support New Mothers' Mental Health

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to supporting new mothers, there are several ways that friends, family, and communities can help make a positive difference in their mental well-being. Here are five ways we can provide meaningful, compassionate support to new moms:

1. Validate Their Feelings (Without Offering Unsolicited Advice)

One of the most important things you can do for a new mom is to simply acknowledge her feelings without judgment or unsolicited advice. New mothers often feel an intense pressure to be perfect, to breastfeed flawlessly, to bond effortlessly, and to handle every challenge with ease. Instead of giving advice on what they “should” be doing or offering empty platitudes, the most supportive thing you can do is listen.

Let them talk about their frustrations, exhaustion, or any other emotions they might be processing. Saying something like, “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough,” can go a long way in validating their experience. Remember, it’s not about fixing their problems, it’s about letting them know they are not alone and that their emotions are valid.

2. Offer Real, Practical Help

Many new mothers feel hesitant to ask for help, even though they desperately need it. Offering concrete, actionable support can make it easier for them to accept assistance. Rather than simply saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” be specific in your offers.

For example:

-“I’m bringing you a meal tonight, would you prefer something homemade or takeout?”

-“I’m happy to come over and fold laundry or help with the dishes for a couple of hours.”

-“Would it be helpful if I watched the baby while you take a break or nap?”

Practical help like this not only alleviates the physical burden of new motherhood but also helps reduce the emotional strain of trying to “do it all” alone.

3. Encourage Rest and Self-Care

It’s easy for new moms to feel guilty about taking time for themselves. They may feel like they should be constantly caring for their baby or that self-care is selfish. As a supportive friend or family member, it’s crucial to remind them that their well-being matters just as much as their baby’s.

Encourage them to rest, even if just for short periods. Offer to watch the baby so they can take a nap, have a shower, or go for a short walk to clear their head. Simple acts like these can make a huge difference in a mother’s mental health. Self-care doesn’t have to be a luxury, it can be as simple as breathing deeply for a few moments, drinking a cup of tea, or stepping outside for fresh air.

Taking small breaks throughout the day to care for oneself can help a mother feel recharged and more able to handle the demands of motherhood.

4. Normalize Conversations About Mental Health

Opening up about mental health can be challenging, especially when there’s still stigma around postpartum struggles. But creating an environment where talking about mental health is normal and expected can make a huge difference for new mothers.

Check in with new moms beyond just asking about the baby’s well-being. Ask questions like:

-“How are you feeling today?”

-“What’s been the hardest part of motherhood so far?”

-“Do you have the support you need right now?”

By asking these questions, you signal to the new mother that it’s okay to express vulnerability and talk about her mental health. Listen actively and without judgment, and if needed, gently encourage her to seek professional support. Help her find resources like support groups, therapy, or online communities where she can connect with others going through similar experiences.

5. Encourage Journaling as a Tool for Reflection and Healing

Journaling can be an incredibly powerful tool for new mothers to process their emotions, reflect on their experiences, and document their journey. Writing allows mothers to release pent-up emotions, track their mental health, and rediscover their own strength.

Our NEW postpartum journal, “You Got This Mama,” was designed with these needs in mind. It offers a safe space for mothers to express their feelings, track their progress, and remind themselves that they are more than enough. The journal encourages reflection on the type of mother a woman wants to be, before she becomes a mother, helping her reconnect with her values and intentions during a time that can feel overwhelming.

In addition to being a tool for emotional release, journaling can help new mothers track patterns in their mental health and celebrate even the smallest victories, such as getting through a difficult day or finding joy in a quiet moment.

By encouraging new mothers to journal and reflect on their journey, we’re helping them reclaim their voice and their identity outside of motherhood. It’s a powerful way to reaffirm that they are worthy of self-compassion, healing, and growth.

Journaling Prompt: The Mother You Want to Be

Before becoming a mother, many women have an idea of the kind of mother they hope to be. You may have envisioned yourself as calm, patient, nurturing, and confident, navigating motherhood with ease and grace. But the reality of motherhood, filled with sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and emotional highs and lows, can sometimes cause those intentions to get lost in the whirlwind of change. This is completely normal, and it’s important to give yourself the space to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with your true desires for the kind of mother you want to be.

Taking the time to journal about these reflections can provide you with clarity, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose when things feel overwhelming. Reflecting on your goals and values can help you find strength during tough moments, giving you a gentle reminder of your "why" on this journey of motherhood.

If you’re a new mother, I encourage you to take a quiet moment to sit down and journal on the following prompts:

-What kind of mother did I dream of being before I had my baby?
Reflect on the image you had of yourself as a mom before becoming one. What qualities did you hope to embody? What did you imagine your relationship with your child would be like? This can help you reconnect with your pre-motherhood self and the woman you aspired to become.
-What values do I want to instill in my child?
Think about the core values you want to pass on to your child, compassion, resilience, honesty, kindness. What lessons do you want to teach them through your actions and words? Journaling about these values can guide you when the demands of motherhood start to feel all-consuming and you need a gentle reminder of what matters most.
-What do I want my child to remember about me when they grow up?
Consider what memories you want to create with your child, the moments that will shape their perception of you. Whether it’s your love, the way you handled challenges, or the small, everyday moments you shared, thinking about this can help you focus on the present instead of worrying about being perfect.
-What aspects of motherhood have surprised me the most?
Motherhood is full of unexpected twists. What has been the biggest surprise for you, whether it’s the overwhelming love you feel, the exhaustion that never seems to end, or how different reality is from the idea you had? Acknowledging the unexpected parts of this journey helps you embrace the full spectrum of experiences.
-How can I show myself grace in the moments when I feel like I’m falling short?
No one is perfect, and motherhood doesn’t come with a manual. When you feel like you're not doing enough or you’re not measuring up to your own expectations, practice self-compassion. How can you offer yourself grace? Can you forgive yourself for the messes, the mistakes, and the moments you feel you didn’t handle well? Remember that growth comes from these experiences, and it’s okay to not have all the answers.

This journaling practice isn’t about holding yourself to an impossible standard, it’s about reconnecting with your heart and reaffirming the values and intentions that make you the mother you are meant to be. It’s about recognizing that you are already enough, exactly as you are, even in the moments you feel uncertain or overwhelmed. This process helps you re-align with your vision and remind yourself that it's okay to evolve along the way.

A Message to New Mothers: You Are Enough

If you are a new mom, let this be your reminder: You are enough. Right now, at this very moment, you are enough. You are not supposed to have all the answers. You don’t have to “bounce back” in record time, and your value is not determined by how well your baby sleeps, how fast you shed the baby weight, or how perfectly you can juggle everything. Your worth is inherent in your love, your presence, and the effort you give every day, even when you feel exhausted or overwhelmed.

Motherhood is a journey of highs and lows, but your strength lies not in perfection, but in the tenderness with which you show up for yourself and your baby every single day. And when the days feel heavy, know that you are never alone in this journey. There are countless other mothers who have walked this path, and they’re here to lift you up, to offer their support, and to share in the experience of what it means to grow and heal through motherhood.

You Got This, Mama

Let’s be a community for each other. Let’s be the village that every mother deserves, a safe, supportive, and understanding space where we can lean on each other, share our struggles, and celebrate our wins. Let’s remind new mothers that their well-being matters just as much as their baby’s. Let’s normalize asking for help, embracing imperfection, and prioritizing mental health, not just for the sake of our children, but for ourselves.

Because, Mama, you got this. Even on the days when it feels like you don’t, know that you do. You are doing an incredible job. Trust yourself, trust your journey, and remember that you are never alone in this.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward embracing your self-worth and mental well-being, consider journaling as a tool for healing. Our “You Got This Mama” journal is designed to help you reflect, process, and reconnect with yourself. Click here to get your copy and start your journey toward healing today. You deserve it.