Advice for a New Mom

Maria V. Gallagher shares lessons she learned from the challenges she faced in those early postpartum days.

You have recently undergone the most exciting, exhausting, incredible experience of your life: the birth of your baby. If you have time to read this open letter, consider yourself a thousand steps ahead. For I know your time is limited, with all the feedings, diaper changes, and various clothing transformations you are encountering. 

I write to you from a vantage point down the road from childbirth. I thought I was doing all the right things: nursing my baby round the clock, paying close attention to every breath, reading her to sleep. I was hyper-vigilant and prepared to take on any crisis, including a diagnosis of asthma when she was barely at the crawling stage. 

But there was one important thing I forgot along the way: caring for myself. While I was uber-focused on my baby’s weight, I neglected my own, to the point that I became emaciated. In fact, when I took my young daughter to the pediatrician, he noted that my daughter was doing great — but it was me he was worried about. 

I also did not devote attention to my mental health. I felt I had neither the time nor the inclination. As a result, for far too long, my postpartum depression went untreated. 

Take Good Care of Yourself, Mama! 

I write to you so that you might avoid the major pitfall that led to a parental failure on my part. Please remember that you are not only called to care for your beloved child. You are also a beloved child of the Father and you deserve to be cared for too. While there may be many people who love you and care about you, there are some acts of kindness which you need to perform for yourself.  

These include: 

• Good nutrition
• Sufficient sleep
• Healthy exercise 

Overcoming Objections 

But wait, you may be thinking. I just don’t have time for any of those luxuries. I am knee-deep in dirty diapers and colicky cries from my baby. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

I understand. I have been there in the throes of early motherhood. But I can tell you from experience that neglecting your nutrition, sleep, and exercise will not help your baby. In fact, a lack of self-care can make it exponentially harder to mother your baby. 

Tips for Making Self-Care a Priority 

Believe it or not, you can make self-care a priority. Here are some ideas: 

• Schedule what I call “survival time,” time for eating, sleeping, and exercising.
• Enlist a friend as an accountability partner. This individual will cheer you on, helping to make sure that you care for yourself.
• Take time to pray. Our Heavenly Father knows your needs better than you do and is prepared to help you fulfill them. 

Encouragement from a Veteran Mama 

God believes in you, and so do I. He would not test you beyond your strength. Work with Him to take good care of yourself so that you can be the best mother you can be.

Don’t lose sight of the joys of motherhood. It will seem only an instant before your child will be off on his or her own. Treasure the small moments because, in the end, they are the greatest gift you could ever receive!        

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva