To the new mom wondering how she will survive, how she will get through the sleepless nights and the endless screams. To the new mom struggling to stay afloat when she feels like she’s sinking in a pool of anxiety and stress. This one is for the new mom wondering how she will get through the newborn phase. To that new mom, I see you. You are not alone.

To the new mom who feels helpless as she watches her baby cry, who is curled up on the ground sobbing because her baby can’t tell her what’s wrong. To the new mom ready to scream because she’s cradling an inconsolable baby. To the new mom who feels like a failure, just remember—tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow will be better.

To the new mom who hasn’t showered in days, whose shirt is covered in spit up, who is ready to pull her hair out. To the mom who is watching the dishes pile up in her sink, who hasn’t touched the laundry in days. This season in life is difficult. But this too shall pass.

To the new mom who feels scared and overwhelmed, who is afraid to leave her baby’s side, who feels like she doesn’t know what she’s doing. To the new mom who loves the baby in her arms, but who doesn’t always love being a mom. You are not a bad person. You are not weak for asking for help.

To the new mom who is not new to parenting, who wonders why this time around is so exhausting. To the new mom trying to juggle the schedules of her older kids, who is knee deep in dirty diapers and bottles. To the new mom who feels guilty that her baby is taking attention away from her other children at home. Keep your chin up. Parenting is a balancing act, you’re doing the best that you can.

To the new mom who feels like a failure, who can’t seem to catch a break. To the new mom who is criticizing herself because other moms seems to make parenthood look so easy. To the new mom who gets jealous as she sees picture perfect families on social media. Looks can be deceiving. I guarantee those same “picture perfect” mothers have moments of frustration, chaos and exhaustion. Try not to compare yourself to others.

Motherhood may not look like what you imagined. There will be hard days, hard months, even hard years. But, to the new mom wondering how she will survive, don’t give up. The difficult days make you stronger.

Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart. To the new mom struggling with a baby in her arms, I see you and you’re doing a great job.

A version of this appeared at StaceySkrysak.com

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