First-Time Mom Survival Guide (10 of 10): Returning to Work After Baby: How to Make it Suck Less
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (10 of 10): Returning to Work After Baby: How to Make it Suck Less

Returning to work after having a baby is one of the most challenging transitions many new moms face. Whether you're heading back full-time or part-time, the emotional, physical, and logistical adjustments can feel overwhelming. You may be battling a mixture of guilt, anxiety, and excitement — all while trying to figure out how to balance the demands of your career with the needs of your baby.

But here’s the truth: returning to work doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of planning, self-compassion, and a realistic perspective, you can make this transition smoother for both you and your baby.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (9 of 10): When to Call a Therapist: Signs You Deserve Support (Hint: It’s Sooner Than You Think)
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (9 of 10): When to Call a Therapist: Signs You Deserve Support (Hint: It’s Sooner Than You Think)

Becoming a mom for the first time can be a beautiful experience — but it can also be overwhelming, full of challenges, and sometimes downright terrible. Between the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood, adjusting to your new role, and coping with the physical recovery from childbirth, it’s common to feel exhausted, isolated, and unsure. As much as you may try to handle everything on your own, the truth is, asking for help is not just okay — it’s essential.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (8 of 10): The Art of Doing Less: Why You Shouldn’t Try to “Bounce Back”
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (8 of 10): The Art of Doing Less: Why You Shouldn’t Try to “Bounce Back”

As a new mom, it’s easy to feel the pressure to “bounce back” — to reclaim your pre-pregnancy body, your energy, and your routine as quickly as possible. Social media and mainstream culture often promote this idea of a quick return to “normal,” but the truth is, the postpartum period isn’t about bouncing back — it’s about doing less and giving yourself grace to be exactly where you are.

In this guide, we’ll explore why you should resist the pressure to “bounce back” after giving birth, and how embracing the art of doing less can actually help you heal and thrive during this transformative time.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (7 of 10): Sleep Solutions for Moms (Not Just Babies)
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (7 of 10): Sleep Solutions for Moms (Not Just Babies)

As a first-time mom, the moment you bring your newborn home, sleep can feel like a distant memory. Between nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and the constant cycle of waking up, your sleep patterns may be completely disrupted. But here’s the thing — your sleep matters too. As a new mom, you’re juggling the physical and emotional demands of motherhood, and getting quality sleep (or at least the best sleep possible) is essential for your well-being.

In this guide, we’ll dive into strategies that not only help your baby sleep better, but also support your sleep and mental health during this demanding time.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (6 of 10): How to Talk to Your Partner About Postpartum Support
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (6 of 10): How to Talk to Your Partner About Postpartum Support

The postpartum period is a time of transition, growth, and change — and it’s not just a shift for you, but also for your partner. As a first-time mom, the changes in your body, emotions, and lifestyle can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like everything is suddenly on your shoulders, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Clear communication with your partner about your needs for postpartum support can make all the difference.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (5 of 10): Creating a Postpartum Care Plan That Prioritizes YOU
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (5 of 10): Creating a Postpartum Care Plan That Prioritizes YOU

The postpartum period is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. As you adjust to life with a new baby, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself. You’ve likely spent months focusing on the well-being of your baby, but now is the time to focus on you too. Creating a postpartum care plan that prioritizes your needs is essential for your mental and physical health, as well as for your ability to show up as the mom you want to be.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (4 of 10): First-Time Mom Must-Haves: Essentials for a Peaceful Postpartum
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (4 of 10): First-Time Mom Must-Haves: Essentials for a Peaceful Postpartum

Becoming a mother for the first time is a seismic shift - the kind that shakes your soul, your schedule, and your sense of self. And, while the internet is full of baby gear checklists and nursery must-haves, what often gets left out is the truth: you are the one who needs the most support. This guide is about building the kind of postpartum experience that honors your healing, your mental health, and your whole humanity.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (3 of 10): What New Moms Really Need (That No One Talks About)
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (3 of 10): What New Moms Really Need (That No One Talks About)

When you're pregnant, everyone has something to say about what you need - Diaper Genies, Baby Wipe Warmers, the "perfect" stroller… But, once the baby arrives, the things you truly need—the ones that don’t fit in an Amazon box—are nowhere on the registry. In Blog 3 of 10 of the First-Time mom survival series, we’ll talk about what really matters: the emotional and psychological essentials that can make or break a new mother’s postpartum experience.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (2 of 10): How to Protect Your Mental Health in the Fourth Trimester
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (2 of 10): How to Protect Your Mental Health in the Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester — the first three months after birth — is often a time of intense change, adjustment, and self-discovery for new moms. This is a time when many new moms experience overwhelming feelings, anxiety, or sadness. The physical and emotional recovery after childbirth can be a lot to navigate, but with the right support and coping strategies, you can protect and nurture your mental health. In the second blog in the First-Time Mom Survival Guide Series, we’ll explore practical ways to prioritize your postpartum mental health the fourth trimester so that you can thrive.

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First-Time Mom Survival Guide (1 of 10): What No One Tells You About the First Week Postpartum
First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C First-Time Mom Survival Guide Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

First-Time Mom Survival Guide (1 of 10): What No One Tells You About the First Week Postpartum

The first week postpartum is often a blur of emotions, recovery, and leaning into your new role as a mom. In Blog 1 of 10 of the First-Time Mom Survival Guide Series, I’ll share the behind-the-scenes reality of the first week postpartum, from physical recovery to the emotional roller coaster, and offer tips on how to manage it all with a little more ease.

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When Does Birth Trauma Go Away?
Birth Trauma Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Birth Trauma Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

When Does Birth Trauma Go Away?

After a traumatic childbirth some women find themselves haunted by distressing memories, struggling with anxiety, or feeling detached from their baby. This may leave them wondering: When does birth trauma go away? The answer varies from mother to mother. Understanding the healing process and seeking appropriate support, such as birth trauma therapy can help facilitate recovery more quickly.

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Is Birth Trauma the Same as PTSD?
Birth Trauma Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Birth Trauma Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Is Birth Trauma the Same as PTSD?

Following a traumatic childbirth, some mothers are left with overwhelming fear, helplessness, and intrusive memories. This can leave them wondering: Is birth trauma the same as PTSD? The short answer? Yes and no. While birth trauma can lead to PTSD, not everyone who experiences a traumatic childbirth will develop the diagnosis. Understanding the difference is crucial for mothers seeking support.

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Postpartum Mental Health:  What Every New Mom Needs to Know
Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Postpartum Mental Health: What Every New Mom Needs to Know

New motherhood is often accompanied by joy and excitement, but it can also bring challenges. Understanding postpartum mental health is crucial, as it can help normalize their experiences, reduce stigma, and ensure they seek help when needed. Whether you’re struggling to understand postpartum depression vs baby blues or simply trying to adjust to your new reality, this guide is here to support you.

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Mom Guilt: What It Is, Where It Comes From, and How to Let It Go
Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Mom Guilt: What It Is, Where It Comes From, and How to Let It Go

Mom Guilt is that nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough, not doing it right, or somehow failing your child. It’s an emotional undercurrent that can affect even the most confident moms. This blog explains where this guilt comes from, and how you can move past it to embrace motherhood with grace and self-compassion.

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Overcoming Perfectionism in Motherhood for High-Functioning Moms
Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Overcoming Perfectionism in Motherhood for High-Functioning Moms

The pressure to meet impossibly high standards—both self-imposed and societal—can leave moms feeling overwhelmed and ashamed of their perceived shortcomings. As a postpartum therapist and maternal mental health therapist, I’ve seen how these unrealistic expectations can lead to shame and perfectionism. This blog discusses ways to overcome perfectionism in high functioning moms.

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Coping Strategies for Managing Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts
Postpartum Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Coping Strategies for Managing Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are incredibly common. They’re often the brain’s way of responding to stress, hormonal changes, or heightened vigilance—a natural byproduct of the postpartum period. These thoughts are not indicators of your character or intent; they are fleeting mental events. Understanding this can help you detach from the guilt and shame that often accompany them. Having a new baby is a time of great vulnerability. Your brain in trying to manage keeping a tiny human safe. The magnitude of this task can create difficulties for an overwhelmed mind.

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Mom Rage: Understanding What It Is and How to Cope
Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Mom Rage: Understanding What It Is and How to Cope

Struggling with mom rage? You're not alone. This blog explores the causes of mom rage, from hormonal shifts to emotional exhaustion, and highlights how postpartum therapy can help. Learn how a postpartum therapist can support you in managing anger, breaking the shame cycle, and reclaiming balance in motherhood. Read more and find the tools you need to thrive!

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Postpartum Depression vs Baby Blues: Understanding the Differences
Postpartum Depression Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Depression Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

Postpartum Depression vs Baby Blues: Understanding the Differences

Struggling to tell the difference between the baby blues vs postpartum depression? While the baby blues are common and often resolve on their own, postpartum depression can linger and impact your well-being. A postpartum therapist can help you navigate these emotions and provide tools for healing. If you’re searching for a postpartum depression therapist in CA, know that support is available.

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The 5-5-5 Rule for New Moms: What It Is and Why It’s Important
Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C Postpartum Mental Health Marilyn Cross Coleman, LCSW, PMH-C

The 5-5-5 Rule for New Moms: What It Is and Why It’s Important

As a postpartum therapist, I often see new moms who feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to prioritize their recovery. One concept that can be extremely beneficial during this period is the 5 5 5 rule. This simple guideline is designed to support physical recovery, emotional well-being, and maternal mental health. Let’s explore what it means and why it’s essential for new moms.

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