How to Keep Your Peace in the Early Days with a Newborn
The early days with a newborn are a whirlwind of emotions, exhaustion, and major life adjustments. One moment, you’re staring in awe at your baby’s tiny fingers, and the next, you’re running on two hours of sleep, wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but keeping your peace during this time is possible. With a few intentional shifts, you can create a more calming and manageable postpartum experience. Here’s how to protect your peace while navigating the beautiful (and messy) newborn stage.
In this episode, we will cover:
Simple strategies to create a peaceful and supportive environment for your recovery.
Why managing expectations is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
How to prioritize your needs without guilt in the early postpartum period.
… and a whole lot more!
Embrace the Imperfections
One of the first steps to keeping your peace is accepting that things won’t be perfect, and that’s okay! Postpartum is messy—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Embrace the chaos and give yourself grace during this time.
Example: If the house is messy or you didn’t get a nap in, recognize that this moment is temporary. Acknowledge it, breathe, and give yourself permission to let it go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Trying to “fix” everything or pretending you’re fine when you’re not. Perfectionism will only lead to more stress and less peace.
Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
The importance of rest in postpartum cannot be overstated. Your body and mind need time to heal, and rest is key to maintaining peace during this time. Rest isn’t just about sleeping; it’s also about creating moments for self-care—whether that’s a warm bath, journaling, or just sitting in silence.
Example: Aim for at least a short nap or quiet time each day, even if it’s just 20 minutes. This helps reset your mind and keeps you more present and calm when you’re with your baby.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Pushing through exhaustion and neglecting your own needs for the sake of productivity or caring for the baby. This can lead to burnout and resentment.
Set Boundaries and Ask for Help
Postpartum is not the time to go it alone. You’ll maintain your peace much better when you communicate your needs and set boundaries with family, friends, and visitors. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Example: Let your partner or a close friend know when you need a break, or tell family members you’re not ready for visitors yet. Prioritize your peace over social expectations.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Feeling like you have to host or entertain guests right away. Protecting your peace means knowing when to say "no" or "not right now."
Create Calm Rituals or Routines
Finding small rituals or routines that bring you comfort can help you keep your peace when everything else feels unpredictable. A morning cup of tea, a few minutes of stretching, or a quiet moment to breathe can reset your mood and mindset.
Example: Start your morning with a calming ritual, like breathing exercises or a cup of tea before you tackle the day. This moment of peace can center you for whatever the day holds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Rushing through everything and forgetting to slow down. Without intentional moments of stillness, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind.
Mind Your Expectations and Be Present
Let go of unrealistic expectations about how you “should” be feeling or functioning postpartum. Instead, focus on being present with your baby and the process, knowing that peace comes from accepting things as they are.
Example: Instead of comparing yourself to social media portrayals of postpartum moms, focus on your unique journey and celebrate the small wins, like your first successful nursing session or your baby’s first smile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Comparing yourself to others or creating an ideal version of postpartum that’s unrealistic. This adds unnecessary pressure and steals your peace.
Actionable Takeaways:
✅ Accept Imperfections – Embrace the messiness of postpartum. Let go of perfection and remind yourself that it’s okay to not have everything together. Celebrate small victories.
✅ Rest Daily – Schedule at least 20 minutes of rest for yourself each day, whether it’s a nap or a quiet moment. Make it a priority for your mental health.
✅ Set Boundaries – Identify one way you can set a healthy boundary this week—whether it’s with visitors, tasks, or expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
✅ Create a Calming Routine – Start your day with a calming ritual. Try a 5-minute breathing exercise, a quiet moment with tea, or anything that helps you start your day grounded.
✅ Focus on Being Present – Let go of comparison and focus on the joy of being present with your baby. Celebrate the little moments, and don’t worry about being “perfect.”
Not sure where to start?
Want more support in navigating postpartum with confidence and peace? Download The New Mom Survival Guide: Preparing for Life with a Newborn—your go-to resource for setting up a strong foundation in early motherhood.
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