Like any parent, I remember the first time I held my baby like it was yesterday. The feeling of new life in my arms was at once joyful and terrifying, with a whole range of emotions in between

Diving deep into the Mother’s Day Ache: what causes it and how to make the day a little more bearable this year no matter how you’re feeling it.

As a new mom, it can be hard to get even a couple of hours of sleep in a row. Every few hours, you wake up with your baby. You know this is only temporary, but it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re so exhausted. And when you do put your baby down for a nap, you sometimes feel like you still have no time to relax.

The postpartum period can be a difficult time for women. Many new mothers are aware of the possibility of the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. But lots of women are not informed about the risk of postpartum panic attacks. This condition often catches new mothers off guard at a time when they’re already struggling to find their footing.

Stress uniquely impacts women physically and mentally. Often times, women take on the stress of their children, spouses, and parents. Taking steps to manage and reduce stress can help women decrease the impacts of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Outline management techniques and therapy as solutions.

Everyone has heard of the “terrible twos.” Whether you’re currently trying to navigate life with a toddler or they’ve somehow carried their tantrums over into year three, let’s face it—parenting at this age is hard. Some days can be harder than others.

Motherhood brings countless challenges. There’s no doubt that being a mother is hard work, and you are always learning as you go. It isn’t easy to raise a child and juggle all of the responsibilities that come with it. Yet many mothers who are doing their best still struggle with relentless guilt. This is so common that there’s even a phrase to sum it up: “mom guilt.”

As a new mom, you might feel like you’re never quite getting it right. Perhaps you’re juggling endless responsibilities, and you never seem to have enough time for everything. Maybe you simply pictured motherhood playing out differently. But instead of lots of Kodak moments with your child, you’ve been putting out one fire after another, all on just a few hours of sleep.

Over the course of our lives, and especially during pregnancy, most women will hear about the benefits of breastfeeding. While this information is important, constant reiteration can leave women feeling pressured, guilty and feeling inadequate. This is even sharper when new mothers experience difficulties breastfeeding. Instead of feeling supported, women who struggle to breastfeed or just do not want to, tend to feel pressure. There can be a lot of judgement about choices made in this realm. Such tensions can negatively affect mental health and self-esteem during this already vulnerable time.

Pregnancy is a time of expectation typically filled with celebration and joy as you eagerly await your little one’s arrival. Throughout your pregnancy, there are milestones you anticipate and look forward to: the first time you hear your baby’s heartbeat, seeing that tiny little face on an ultrasound, a gender reveal party, a baby shower surrounded by friends and family, and the first time you get to finally hold your new baby in your arms.

Birth trauma is real. Learn how you can find healing after a traumatic birth. If you’d describe your childbirth as “traumatic,” you’re not alone. One study reported 50% of new mothers claimed they have birth trauma. And many women deal with intrusive thoughts, nightmares, depression, and irritability in the weeks and months after giving birth. Birth trauma can be isolating. You may find it difficult to process your experience. It’s possible that you are guilty or ashamed to feel fear or sadness following the birth your baby when you expected to feel joy and excitement. You may feel detached from others and struggle to bond with your new baby.

Life transitions can be stressful for anyone, and becoming pregnant and having a baby are some of the most major changes some women experience in their lifetime. From the physical changes your body goes through to the transformation of your life after birth, it can feel impossible to find your bearings when everything in your life (and your body) is constantly shifting. As you prepare for these life-altering experiences, your anxiety is likely to reach its peak.

We are our children's first and most important models. We may never be able to break the genetic predisposition of anxiety in some children, but what we can do is help provide a supportive environment and parent in a way that our kids learn how to recognize and handle their anxiety. We can equip them with tools they need to be resilient. Here are several ways to do just that

Whether you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant or are already holding your infant in your arms, becoming a mother can be a roller coaster ride. While being a new mom comes with its share of joy and excitement, it can be difficult to admit that many moments are frustrating and downright exhausting.

Pregnancy and birth are both times of rapid transition, and the days and months after having a baby can come with a wide range of emotions. While your little one may bring a lot of excitement and love, it’s also normal to feel stressed with your new role and responsibilities. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and physical changes to your body can make you feel like a shell of your former self.