Hey there, new parent (or soon-to-be one),

First of all—congratulations on your beautiful new baby. Whether you’re reading this at 3 a.m. during a feeding, with your little one sleeping on your chest, or just grabbing a few quiet minutes alone, this space is for you. A safe space. A real one.

Let’s talk honestly about those first six weeks with a newborn—not the filtered, posed, sun-drenched photos you see on social media, but the raw, chaotic, beautiful truth that no one really prepares you for.

Here’s something you might not hear enough: you might cry more than your baby. And that’s okay. Between hormonal swings, sleep deprivation, and the sheer emotional weight of caring for a brand-new human, tears might come often—and suddenly. Give yourself permission to feel it all. You’re not falling apart. You’re adjusting, grieving, growing, and coping. Keep tissues and water nearby, because yes—crying and hydration often go hand in hand.

And about sleep... well, it becomes a distant, almost mythical memory. Your baby might mix up day and night, or need you every hour. You’ll probably ask yourself, “Will I ever sleep again?” The answer is: yes, eventually. Maybe not tonight. Maybe not next week. But sleep will return. In the meantime, nap whenever you can. Forget perfection. Survival mode is completely valid.

Feeding—whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing both—can also be more difficult than expected. It’s often painted as instinctive and natural, but the truth is, it takes work. Sore nipples, latching issues, reflux, low supply—these challenges are common, and they do not mean you're doing anything wrong. Ask for help. Lactation consultants, pediatricians, and fellow parents can be incredible resources. The most important thing? You’re feeding your baby with love. That’s what matters most.

You’ll probably find yourself Googling every tiny detail: “Why is the poop that color?”, “Is sneezing this much normal?”, or “How do I swaddle without making them look like a burrito disaster?” Welcome to the world of new parenting. We’ve all been there. Try not to fall into the rabbit hole of late-night doom scrolling. Trust your instincts. When in doubt, call your pediatrician. You are not overreacting—you’re just learning.

Something else few people say out loud: bonding doesn’t always happen instantly. If you didn’t feel an immediate rush of love the moment you met your baby, you are not alone. Exhaustion, stress, and the shock of it all can dull that connection at first. Don’t feel guilty. Bonding is a process—it grows in the quiet moments: when you hold, feed, change, soothe. That’s love in action. Keep showing up. That’s what matters.

And yes—it’s completely normal to miss your old life. Your freedom. Your time. Your identity. That doesn’t make you a bad parent; it makes you human. Grief and gratitude can coexist. The early days are tough, but you’re becoming someone stronger, wiser, and deeply connected to this tiny human who now depends on you. You are still yourself... just more.

So take a deep breath. And say this with me: I don’t need to be perfect. I just need to be present. Let that be your mantra. One day—maybe sooner than you think—you’ll look back on this blurry, intense season and realize just how far you’ve come.

You’ve got this. Truly.