The Importance of Self-Love for New Parents

February is all about love, but let’s be real—when you’re in the thick of postpartum, self-love can feel like an afterthought. Between sleepless nights, constant feedings, and the general chaos of adjusting to life with a newborn, taking care of yourself probably isn’t high on your list. But here’s the thing: self-love isn’t selfish. It’s survival.

Postpartum is a time of massive change—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your body is healing, your hormones are all over the place, and suddenly, you’re responsible for a tiny human who needs you 24/7. On top of that, there’s pressure to “bounce back,” entertain visitors, and prove that you’ve got everything under control. (Spoiler: you don’t have to.)

So what does self-love actually look like in postpartum? Honestly, it’s the little things:

• Speaking to yourself with kindness. Your body just did something incredible—respect it.

• Setting boundaries. If visitors, social media, or unsolicited advice are stressing you out, it’s okay to say no.

• Accepting help. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or your doula (hi, that’s me!), let people support you.

• Resting when you can. The dishes can wait. Your well-being is more important.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not always great at slowing down. Whether it’s work, exercise, or just life in general, I tend to push myself until I have to stop. Lately, I’ve been practicing what I preach—choosing ease, backing off when something feels like too much, and trusting that I don’t have to do everything all at once. And guess what? The world keeps spinning.

Postpartum is the same way. You don’t have to rush to figure it all out. You don’t have to have everything perfectly balanced. Just take it one moment at a time. You’re doing better than you think.

So this month, in the middle of all the love being passed around, don’t forget to give some to yourself. You deserve it.