In many Western countries, there’s a mismatch between how we expect babies to sleep and how babies actually sleep — and that mismatch can create a lot of anxiety and stress for new parents.

The postpartum period is not only a time for the birth giver to heal and for the baby to grow — it’s also a powerful opportunity for partners to step up and lead with love.

I remember sitting with my newborn, cooing “I love you so much,” and “Hi, my little beauty,” but after a while… I’d run out of things to say. Narrating my every move—“Now I’m folding laundry!”—felt unnatural and forced.

Welcoming a newborn is a joyous occasion, but it can also bring overwhelming changes. The intense, nonstop needs of a baby can make even simple tasks feel monumental, as your responsibilities multiply. By compiling your support team prenatally, you’ll be better equipped to rest and recover postpartum. Creating a well-thought-out care plan can make a significant difference as once you are postpartum, you can settle in and focus on nurturing your baby while receiving essential support that you have already put in place.