Refill Your Cup: Self-Care for First-Time Moms

Real talk, Reassurance and Refills (for your cup)

We brought together first-time moms and seasoned parents to discuss authentic self-care during pregnancy and postpartum, not spa-day fantasy, but daily rituals that help you feel present and grounded. The Community chat lit up with rainbow baby milestones, third-trimester wins, and honest postpartum truths.

What does "refilling your cup" mean for new moms?

It reminds you that you can't pour into your baby, partner, or family if your cup is empty. Refilling your cup means carving out small but meaningful moments, a hot shower, a short walk, a nourishing meal, or simply five quiet minutes, that restore your energy and sense of self.

It's not indulgence, it's maintenance: giving yourself permission to recharge so you can show up with more patience, joy, and strength in Motherhood.

The expert panel & their best 60-second takeaways

Leah Trevis, RN, IBCLC (The Lactation Network) (@thelactationnetwork)
Prenatal planning makes postpartum gentler. Line up care before baby: lactation support, pelvic floor therapy, and mental health check-ins. Create a Plan A/B/C for birth and feeding, and let your partner practice independence with a bottle so you can shower, nap, or take a quiet Target run.

Hillary (Chang) Wichlin, creator & new mom (@hillaryhelennn)
"First things first, I'm first." Pick one non-negotiable you do daily: walk + podcast, face mask, or phoning a friend—and protect it. Keeping your style identity helps, too; dress the body you have now and give it grace.

Hillary’s advice, as a fellow new mama:

Selfcare is not selfish, it's necessary in all stages of motherhood from pregnancy to postpartum. For all those who feel like they don't have a mommy village, I didn't have a mommy village but made a really conscious effort to find one. I found a lactation consultant that I trusted who introduced me to other moms, I scoured mom groups online and I went to local free events. Putting yourself out there is so hard but it's worth it! And if anyone is in the San Diego area and needs a new mommy friend, don't be shy!

Dr. Amber Thornton, psychologist (@dramberthornton)
Guilt happens. Do the helpful thing with the guilt and ask a compassionate friend to keep you accountable. If day-to-day functioning feels hard for weeks (not just a day), reaching out for professional support is your sign.

To shop Dr. Amber Thornton’s resource guide for emotional regulation, “The Ultimate Toolkit: Emotional Regulation for Parents”, visit this link here.

Dr. Ali Rodriguez, OBGYN (@alirodmd)
Movement is medicine. Walking, yoga, or strength work during pregnancy is evidence-based to support labor and recovery—start small and stay consistent. Your journey is yours; choose rituals that truly restore you.

Partner Spotlight: ViaCord

Plan today for tomorrow's health 5 tiny rituals our Motherhood Community swears by.

A 10-minute bookend: simple morning + night routine to remind yourself, I matter.
Walk outside: sunlight, fresh air, and a playlist (or crime podcast!) = instant mood lift.
Let them help: Use your tribe! Hand-off dishes, vacuum, or one bottle feed—then you take a long shower.
Move your body, your way: yoga, prenatal strength, or stroller laps consistency > intensity.
Dress for the day you're in: easy layers and soft fabrics will keep you comfortable and confident. (Think oversized button-downs, breathable knits, and stretch that adapts through each stage.) Here are a few perfect styles from Motherhood!
- Shop Motherhood popular styles:
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