Okay, ladies. We are getting deep in this one.

After having Baylor, I knew there would be obvious feelings of loneliness due to the pandemic. I knew I might feel more isolated than ever, struggling through the already intense “fourth trimester” with less support than I might have had in a typical world.

I will say I have struggled with anxiety even before I was pregnant. I have been on medication, have had panic attacks, the whole thing. While I was pregnant, my hormones made my anxiety melt away for the most part, which was surprising and amazing. I hoped I would continue to feel good after baby boy was here with me. But that hasn’t always been the case. I don’t think I ever had postpartum depression, but my anxiety definitely started to come back and I still deal with it today.

I am the first of my close friend group to have a baby. This brings another level of loneliness, no fault to any of them. It is hard not being able to relate to your closest friends on the struggles you are having. It is difficult to have them truly understand what you might be going through. I am embarking on a new chapter - not bad, just different. My entire lifestyle changed quite literally overnight. I am grateful to know that when my friends do start having their own babies, they will be able to lean on me if they feel they need support. I am always here with a hug and a listening ear for anyone who needs it.

I’ve had to figure out my own ways of coping with feeling lonely, some ways more creative than others with lockdown and these special circumstances. I find that these six tips are realistic, relatively easy tasks and rituals you can implement without making yourself feel even more overwhelmed. Let me know what you think and what else might be beneficial to new mamas.

I have made it a ritual to take Baylor on a walk or to the park even if its by myself at least 5 days a week. Some days we don’t leave the house, and I actually feel a huge difference when we don’t. I get lethargic and it feels like the day will never end. Even getting out with just us two makes me feel productive. Seeing people (usually from a distance still) makes me feel more normal and less lonely.

I have been lucky enough to make some new mom friends recently, and meeting up with them a few times a month has made a huge difference. Schedule it and make it a priority! Make an effort to call or Facetime an old friend, fellow mom or a family member if you can’t be with them in person.

I like to meet up with another mom for a play date once a week if we are able. I joke about meeting new moms being like dating again. Its scary, but just know there are so many other amazing women in your boat who just want a friend who understands, too!

I have fallen into this trap too many times to count. Let your body release those feel good hormones and move! There are so many quick stretch routines or easy home workouts on Youtube or anywhere these days if you aren’t able to go to the gym. I promise you wont regret it!

He could tell I was frustrated with a million and ten things from that day only. I was burnt out and so frustrated between a crying, teething baby and jealous, barking corgis. My feelings of frustration and sadness were valid. But, it is also so important to remember all of the incredible things you do have in a moment. It could be as simple as your health, a home to live in, water to drink, a baby who loves you, a partner who is supportive, a bed to sleep in. It could be a mental list or you could make journaling a ritual during baby's nap or as a different part of your day. It is so important to find the good. I am working so hard on this everyday still too.

You are not alone in feeling these feelings. What you are going through may be uncharted territory. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And trust me. you will need it and it will be hard to ask. But you can’t pour from an empty cup, super mama!

Let me know what other things you do to combat feeling lonely as a mom. I’d love to hear more suggestions! Take a breath, you’ve got this and I am here if you need someone.