The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be overwhelming, frustrating, exhausting, and wonderfully sweet. Knowing what is normal and preparing yourself and your environment beforehand can help you immeasurably. Taking care of yourself and taking care of your baby are ideally your only jobs at first, and you and your baby deserve that golden time of rest, healing, and connection.

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On one hand, pregnancy insomnia is an important part of prenatal preparation. Your body is wise, and it is trying to prepare you for the long nights that lay ahead. But on the other hand, pregnancy insomnia can lead to overwhelm and burnout. The good news is that there are natural ways to make your nights more restful. Here are a few tips to help you get the rest you need, even if you struggle with pregnancy insomnia.

Herbs are flexible in so many ways, not the least of which being the many ways we can prepare them. One of my favorite methods of preparation is the herb bath. You can infuse herbs into a bath for nearly any ailment, and there is nothing quite as soothing as slipping into warm, healing water. From a sitz bath to a soak in the tub, herb baths are a great way for anyone to experience the restorative benefits of herbs.

The trap is so easy to fall into. As moms, it feels like we do everything. Gestate the baby, deliver the baby, feed the baby, wear the baby…mom burnout makes sense in the early years, because our children are basically an extension of our own bodies. As the years go on, even when other family members can chip in more and more, the child’s needs change but the demand stays the same. In fact, it probably increases, just in different ways.

The postpartum phase is such a time of mixed emotions, from the bliss of getting to know your new little one to the struggles of learning to care for them. When you add the impending return to work, all of those emotions and stresses seem to be amplified. Don’t let a fear of pumping keep you from continuing your nursing relationship. It can feel like a lot of work, but you can do it. Yes, you really can do it!

Just because the baby is born doesn’t mean you have to slow down your dietary vigilance. You may be surprised at just how much it can take to sustain your body while constantly producing milk and expending energy to nurse a little one. It’s important to plan for the added nutrients and energy in order to keep on making that liquid love.