In a world brimming with advice for new mothers, there’s often a lack of focus on self-care, which makes the words of blogger Jenna Lewis particularly refreshing. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships for the sake of mental well-being. “Connect with your friends. Please,” Lewis urges in her widely shared post. “Above cleaning, above cooking, above everything else. Because a chat over coffee or a walk can be incredibly healing. Even on days when I felt overwhelmed, I made an effort to follow my therapist’s advice and reach out.”
The challenges of caring for a newborn can feel insurmountable, especially when you’re navigating the physical and emotional recovery from childbirth. Many new moms find themselves at home full-time, sometimes far from their social circles due to relocations. “Without adult interaction and activities outside the home, feelings of isolation can creep in, which may lead to anxiety or even clinical depression,” notes Dr. Emily Roberts, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
What often goes unmentioned in parenting discussions is how solitary the experience can be. The simplest remedy is to call a friend. “You have two enormous tasks: ensuring your baby’s safety and happiness and looking after your mental health. Everything else can wait,” Lewis emphasizes. If anyone questions your decision to socialize, just explain that it’s part of your mental health strategy; every new parent deserves one.
While it might seem easy to reach out to friends before having kids, it becomes a challenge once you’re in the thick of parenthood. You might feel disconnected or worry that your friendships have faded to the background. But any true friend will understand that you’re going through a significant life change, whether they are parents themselves or not.
She concludes with powerful advice: “Stop canceling on your friends. Cancel everything else, not your friendships. You will feel rejuvenated.”
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Summary
Jenna Lewis, a blogger, encourages new mothers to prioritize friendships over other obligations to maintain their mental health during the overwhelming transition into motherhood. She highlights that socializing is crucial for emotional well-being and urges moms to reach out to friends rather than isolating themselves.