Sleepless Nights: Navigating the Exhausting, Beautiful Chaos of New Parenthood
Sleepless nights in new parenthood are exhausting and emotional. Here’s what they really teach us — and gentle ways to survive and grow through them.
Why Sleepless Nights Hit So Hard (And Why You're Stronger Than You Think)
Before you have a baby, everyone warns you about the lack of sleep.
But no matter how many warnings you hear, nothing truly prepares you for the reality of it.
Sleepless nights in new parenthood aren’t just about physical exhaustion.
They stir up deep emotions: overwhelm, loneliness, anxiety — and sometimes even grief for the life you had before.
If you find yourself pacing the floor at 2AM, crying along with your baby, or feeling a deep pit of dread when the sun sets knowing you’re in for another long night — you are not alone.
You are walking one of the hardest, most tender roads of parenthood.
And you are doing it beautifully.
The Raw Reality: What Sleepless Nights Really Feel Like
One of the most difficult and less-talked-about aspects of sleepless nights is the anticipatory anxiety — the feeling of dread that creeps in every evening.
Knowing you're unlikely to get rest, feeling trapped in an endless cycle of wake-ups, and carrying the weight of exhaustion before the night even begins can be overwhelming.
I remember a night so clearly — I was so tired, I fell asleep while holding my baby.
In a haze, I felt him slipping from my arms and startled awake just in time to hold him tighter. He didn't fall, thank goodness.
But the terror of that moment stayed with me.
It wasn’t about being careless — it was about being human, pushed beyond the normal limits of sleep, strength, and survival.
It’s okay to name this part too:
Sleeplessness isn't just physically exhausting — it’s emotionally scary sometimes.
And you are not weak for feeling it.
What Sleepless Nights Really Teach Us
While no one wants to experience sleepless nights, there’s something quietly powerful that happens during them:
You learn the true depth of your resilience. Every night you survive teaches you how strong you truly are.
You connect with your baby in raw, unfiltered moments. Some of the most profound bonding happens during the quiet hours when no one else is awake.
You learn to surrender. You realize that not everything can be fixed, scheduled, or controlled — and somehow, that softens you in ways you didn't expect.
You start to honor your needs too. Whether it’s asking for help, setting boundaries, or choosing a nap over a clean house, sleeplessness reshapes your priorities.
You witness growth — theirs and yours. Both you and your baby are transforming in slow, meaningful ways, even when it feels like nothing’s changing.
Gentle Tips for Surviving the Sleepless Nights
There’s no magic cure — but there are ways to soften the edges of those hard nights:
Accept help, without guilt. If someone offers to hold the baby while you nap, say yes without hesitation.
Lower your expectations. Survival mode is still success. Dishes, emails, laundry — they can wait.
Create small nighttime rituals. Even tiny habits — like a soft robe, a warm tea, or calming music — can make the nights feel a little less heavy.
Practice tiny self-kindnesses. Drink water. Stretch. Breathe deeply. Remind yourself you are doing an incredible job.
Know it’s a season. Sleepless nights can feel endless in the moment — but they are not forever. The rhythm will change, and you will sleep again.
Closing: You’re Not Failing — You’re Becoming
If no one has told you yet today:
You are not failing because you're tired.
You are not failing because you're anxious.
You are showing up, night after night, in the darkness and in the struggle — and that is the definition of fierce, enduring love.
One day, the nights will feel lighter.
You’ll rock your baby under the stars and realize — you grew too.
And you are stronger, softer, and more extraordinary than you ever imagined. 💛
The First Birthday: A Milestone Full of Joy, Grief, and Growth
Your baby's first birthday is a joyful milestone — but it can also stir up unexpected emotions. Here's my story, and why feeling it all is more than okay.
The Emotions Behind Your Baby’s First Birthday
When we picture our baby's first birthday, we often imagine balloons, laughter, and cake-smeared smiles. And while those moments are real and joyful, there’s often another layer too — one that's heavier, more complicated, and deeply emotional.
If you’re feeling a mix of happiness, grief, pride, and sadness as your baby’s first birthday approaches, you are not alone. Let’s explore why the first birthday can feel so unexpectedly emotional, and why every feeling you have is completely valid.
My Story: Grieving and Celebrating at the Same Time
At the very beginning of becoming athday experience) mom, I was drowning — like so many new parents — in recovering from my C-section, sleepless nights, painful breastfeeding, teething, and simply adjusting to an entirely new life. Every day felt like an uphill battle.
But somewhere in those early months, I found a version of myself I absolutely loved.
I was still sleep-deprived, but I began to long for the late-night cuddles, the quiet walks through High Park, the warm summer days, and the sense of real-life purpose that motherhood gave me. I had never in my life felt so important, so needed, so accomplished — and so proud.
And then came the teeth. The standing. The walking.
Suddenly, my little potato was becoming a real, independent person — and I was not prepared for how fast it all came at me.
As his first birthday approached, I started to feel overwhelmed with anxiety.
The idea of people saying, “He’s not a baby anymore,” was almost unbearable.
Leading up to the day, I cried more times than I could count. Even during his Zoom birthday party — smiling and laughing with everyone — I was quietly doing everything I could to hold back my tears.
I was so proud.
I was so grateful.
And at the same time... I was grieving.
Why the First Birthday Feels So Emotional
Your baby's first birthday isn't just a celebration of their growth — it's a milestone marking your growth too.
In one whirlwind year, you went through a profound transformation: physically, emotionally, mentally. You nurtured, soothed, taught, protected, and loved in ways you never had before.
The first birthday often brings a quiet grief — for the newborn days, the tiny snuggles, the "firsts" you can't repeat. It marks the closing of a precious chapter and the start of a brand new (and just as beautiful) one.
Grieving that change doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you human.
What I Wish I Knew: For Any Parent Feeling This Way
If you’re approaching your baby's first birthday with a tangle of emotions, here’s what I want you to know:
It’s normal to grieve and celebrate at the same time. One emotion doesn’t cancel the other out.
Your feelings are valid. You are not "too sensitive," "too emotional," or "dramatic."
You’ve changed too. This birthday is a milestone for you as much as it is for your child.
Make space for your emotions. Cry if you need to. Reflect. Write it out. Talk about it.
Find small rituals to honor your journey. Write a letter to your baby. Write one to yourself. Plant something. Take a photo not just of them — but with them, and celebrate your first year too.
Making the First Birthday Meaningful (For You Too)
Simple ideas to help honor this emotional milestone:
Write a letter to your baby — or to yourself — about this first year together.
Create a memory box of little keepsakes from your baby's first year.
Plan a quiet moment for yourself before or after the party.
Plant a tree or a flower to symbolize your first year of growing together.
Connect with a community of parents who get it — you don't have to carry it alone.
Closing: A Gentle Reminder
Wherever you are right now — whether you're feeling joyful, heartbroken, anxious, or all of the above — know this:
You are not alone.
You are not failing.
You are standing at the doorway between two beautiful chapters — and it’s okay to cry at the threshold.
You and your baby have grown together in ways that words can hardly capture.
Celebrate them. Celebrate yourself.
You are doing a beautiful, brave job. 💛
Embracing — and Grieving — Your New Season of Life
Becoming a parent brings overwhelming love — and sometimes, unexpected grief. At Simple Smyles, we honor the full journey: the shifts in identity, the changing body, the waves of emotion, and the beauty of finding yourself again. You are not alone — and your new season of life is worthy of love, patience, and celebration. 🌿
When you imagine becoming a parent, you expect the love.
You expect the joy.
You expect the overwhelming emotions.
What we don’t always talk about is the grief that comes with it too —
the quiet mourning of the life you left behind.
The identity you are suddenly no longer sure how to find.
At Simple Smyles, we believe in honoring all parts of the journey — the beautiful, the messy, the surprising, and the heavy.
Because becoming a parent isn’t just about meeting your baby.
It’s about meeting a new version of yourself, too.
A Story from Our Founder
I can remember feeling so nervous about becoming a mom.
What if my kiddo didn’t like me?
What if it didn’t come naturally?
What if I didn’t even like being a mom?
I distinctly remember one day — sitting on the toilet, still trying to take my first poop after my C-section (the glamorous postpartum moments no one warns you about) —
struggling with breastfeeding, drowning in sleepless nights, and trying to navigate it all in the height of a global pandemic.
I sat there and thought:
"What the eff have I done with my life? I’ve ruined it."
It’s hard to admit.
Especially when everything we’re taught says that women are supposed to be naturally, effortlessly, joyfully maternal.
That wasn’t my immediate response — and that truth felt heavy to carry alone.
Later, when my girlfriends started having kids, they would admit the same thing to me, quietly and in secret:
"I love my baby so much... but sometimes I miss my old life too."
"Sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out for this."
And the truth is — even now, with my kiddo four years old,
there are still days where I catch myself thinking:
"Man... things used to be so fun and easy."
Grief and Joy Can Exist Together
You can love your child more than life itself —
and still miss the parts of yourself that felt freer, lighter, wilder.
You can feel profoundly grateful —
and still feel profoundly sad sometimes.
✨ Both can be true.
✨ Both are normal.
✨ Both are allowed.
Parenthood isn't about giving up who you were — it's about learning how to weave that old self into the new version of you that's emerging.
It’s about holding space for the "before" while bravely stepping into the "after."
It's Okay to Take Time to Find Yourself Again
The truth is, you won't "bounce back" — and you’re not supposed to.
You are evolving, not undoing.
It's okay if it takes time to feel like yourself again — or to discover that your "new self" is someone entirely different, and still deeply worthy.
You don't have to rush your healing.
You don't have to rush your becoming.
Every phase — the confusion, the grief, the stretching and growing — is part of the beautiful, messy masterpiece of who you are now.
Your Body is Not Broken — It’s a Testament to Your Story
Your body may look and feel different after birth.
That doesn’t make it defective — it makes it extraordinary.
Stretch marks, scars, softened curves — they are not imperfections; they are inscriptions of love, endurance, and creation.
You are not less. You are more.
More resilient.
More powerful.
More breathtaking in ways that have nothing to do with the mirror and everything to do with the life you carry, hold, and nurture.
How to Embrace Your New Season of Life
Give yourself permission to grieve without guilt.
Speak lovingly to your reflection — the same way you would speak to a friend.
Let go of the pressure to "get back" to anything — forward is beautiful too.
Celebrate small wins (a shower, a hot coffee, a deep breath of quiet) as sacred victories.
Ask for help — and believe you deserve it.
Your life has changed — and yes, parts of it have been left behind.
But in their place, new parts are blooming.
Trust that joy can grow right alongside grief.
Trust that this season, even in its wildness, is shaping you in extraordinary ways.
Finding Community and Support Matters
You don't have to carry all of this alone.
There is real magic in finding people who say, “Me too.”
Reach out to postpartum groups, community centers, parent meet-ups — even virtual ones if needed.
Talk to other parents about the highs and the lows.
Connect with doulas, lactation consultants, mental health professionals — people trained to hold space for the realness.
Let your circle hold you, even when you feel messy, complicated, or unsure.
You were never meant to do this alone. 💛
If You’re Feeling This Too, Please Know:
🌿 You have not failed.
🌿 You are not ungrateful.
🌿 You are not alone.
You are allowed to feel everything — and still be an amazing parent, an amazing human, and an evolving work of art.
We see you.
We celebrate you.
We are walking right beside you.
Emotional Health Matters:
At Simple Smyles, we believe that your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical recovery.
If you're struggling with feelings of grief, sadness, or overwhelm after becoming a parent, please know that you are not alone — and help is always available.
Reaching out for support is a courageous, loving step for you and your family. 💛
The Truth About Breastfeeding: It's Beautiful — and It's Hard
When I first had my kiddo, I wasn’t even sure if breastfeeding was something I wanted to do. I thought it would be short, simple — but like so much of parenthood, everything changed the moment he arrived. At Simple Smyles, we honor the full story: the beautiful, painful, powerful truth of learning to feed, love, and grow together — one moment at a time. 🌸
When we picture breastfeeding, we often imagine peaceful, glowing moments: a soft newborn nestled against your chest, a serene bond forming quietly between mother and baby.
And yes — sometimes, it looks exactly like that.
But what we aren't always told is that breastfeeding can also be something else entirely:
Raw. Painful. Emotional. Exhausting. Lonely.
At Simple Smyles, we believe in celebrating all sides of the journey — not just the glossy ones. Because the truth is, breastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful and one of the most challenging experiences in those early days.
The Beginning is Often the Hardest
When I first had my kiddo, I wasn’t even sure if breastfeeding was something I really wanted to do.
In my mind, I thought, “Okay, maybe I’ll breastfeed for three to six months — and after that, too bad, you’re cut.”
Like so many things with parenting, that mindset shifted the second my baby was placed into my arms.
Everything changed. Suddenly, my entire world centered around his needs — first and foremost.
When I was rolled back into recovery after my C-section, the nurse gently asked, "Do you want to try breastfeeding?"
I said, “Sure.”
And at first, it seemed easy. I wasn’t in much pain.
I honestly thought, “Wow, maybe this will be simple after all.”
(What I didn’t realize at the time was that the pain medications from surgery were still in full effect.)
Because when we got home... everything changed.
I remember the first few days vividly:
The pain was so brutal that sometimes I found myself thinking, “Do they really need to eat again?”
“Maybe they don’t need to stay latched for so long?”
The sucking was excruciating.
I used to joke with my girlfriends that every time he latched, I would count to 10 — and slam my foot into the ground to brace myself for the pain.
But then one day — and I’ll never forget this — I realized something.
As he latched, I didn’t slam my foot down.
I didn’t flinch.
I didn’t feel that familiar, gut-wrenching pain.
I thought to myself, “…This doesn’t hurt anymore. In fact, I barely even notice it.”
That moment felt like a sunrise after a very long, dark night.
Breastfeeding is a Journey, Not a Moment
Breastfeeding isn’t a switch you flip — it’s a relationship that grows over time.
Sometimes it starts rocky and becomes strong.
Sometimes it evolves into pumping, combination feeding, or formula feeding — and that is just as valid, beautiful, and loving.
There’s no single way to define success when it comes to feeding your baby.
The real success is in showing up with love, over and over, no matter how imperfect or messy it feels.
If No One Has Told You Yet — Let Us Be the First:
🌿 It's okay if it hurts at first.
🌿 It's okay if it takes more time than you thought.
🌿 It's okay if you ask for help — you deserve help.
🌿 It's okay if your feeding journey looks different than you imagined.
You are doing an amazing job.
You and your baby are learning together — and every ounce of effort, every tear, every moment of perseverance is building a bond that runs deeper than words.
At Simple Smyles, we're here to walk beside you.
Through the beautiful moments, and the raw ones too.
You are enough.
You are strong.
You are not alone.
If you ever need support, guidance, or simply a space to be seen — we're here. Always. 💛
Disclaimer:
At Simple Smyles, we deeply honor and support all feeding journeys. While this post shares a personal story from the perspective of our founder — who identifies as female and describes her experience with breastfeeding — we fully recognize and celebrate that chestfeeding, bodyfeeding, and other forms of infant feeding are valid and beautiful paths, including for trans and non-gender identifying parents.
We also believe firmly that fed is best.
Whatever feeding method you choose — breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, combination feeding — what matters most is that you and your baby are nourished, supported, and loved.
You are doing an incredible job. 💛
The Beauty of Babywearing: Bonding, Comfort, and Hands-Free Parenting
At Simple Smyles, we celebrate the beauty of babywearing as a way to nurture connection, emotional security, and ease in your parenting journey. Learn how keeping your baby close can support bonding, development, and everyday life — one cozy moment at a time.
At Simple Smyles, we believe that the small moments create the deepest bonds — and babywearing is a beautiful example of that.
Whether you're wrapping your newborn close to your heart or carrying your growing baby as they explore the world, babywearing offers countless benefits for both you and your little one.
Why Babywearing Matters
1. Deepens Bonding
Keeping your baby close helps regulate their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature — especially in the early months. The physical closeness naturally strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby, fostering trust, security, and love.
2. Supports Emotional Development
Babies who are frequently carried often show stronger signs of secure attachment. They tend to cry less, feel more easily soothed, and develop emotional resilience as they grow.
3. Makes Life Easier
Babywearing keeps your hands free while still keeping your baby close. Whether you're making a meal, going for a walk, or simply navigating daily life, a carrier allows you to multitask while still being emotionally and physically connected.
4. Encourages Physical Development
Being worn upright helps babies strengthen their neck, back, and core muscles naturally. It also supports healthy hip development — especially when using ergonomic carriers designed to maintain the "M" position (knees higher than hips).
5. Creates Community Moments
Babywearing often sparks conversations and connections with other parents and caregivers. It’s a simple way to create community while doing what feels natural and nurturing for your baby.
Babywearing Safety Tips
While babywearing is wonderful, safety is key! Remember these simple guidelines:
✨ Tight and secure: Your baby should be held snug against your body without loose fabric.
✨ Visible and kissable: You should always be able to see your baby's face and easily kiss the top of their head.
✨ Chin up and clear: Ensure baby's chin is off their chest to keep airways open.
✨ Supported back and hips: Choose carriers that promote proper posture and hip alignment, especially for newborns.
(And of course, always check the specific instructions for the carrier or wrap you’re using!)
A Final Word from Simple Smyles
Babywearing is more than just a practical tool — it’s a way of moving through early parenthood with gentleness, connection, and intention.
However you choose to carry your baby, know that you are building a relationship rooted in safety, trust, and unconditional love — one simple, beautiful moment at a time.
Interested in learning more?
Our Simple Smyles workshops cover newborn care, babywearing tips, and emotional wellness for new parents.
Does Insurance Cover Postpartum Therapy in Ontario?
Wondering if therapy is covered after you give birth? You’re not alone. In this post, we break down how postpartum therapy works in Ontario—including what’s typically covered by insurance, how to submit claims, and where to find affordable support if you’re uninsured. Your mental health matters, and help is more accessible than you might think.
You’ve Probably Heard “It Takes a Village”...
But what if part of that village includes a therapist?
Let’s be honest—postpartum is a wild ride. Some moments are filled with magic and tiny yawns, and others feel heavy, blurry, or like you're just trying to keep your head above water. And you know what? That’s okay.
Postpartum therapy can be a powerful part of your support system—whether you’re navigating big emotions, anxiety, or simply adjusting to your new normal. But one of the most common questions we get is:
“Will my insurance cover it?”
The good news? For many Ontario families, the answer is yes. Here’s what you need to know to access support that feels good and fits your budget.
Why Therapy After Birth Matters
Let’s get this out of the way: you don’t need to be in crisis to seek therapy.
Postpartum therapy can help you:
Process your birth experience
Reconnect with your identity outside of “just mom”
Navigate relationship changes or big emotions
Cope with anxiety, depression, or burnout
Learn to set boundaries and ask for help
Therapy is one of those forms of care that fills your cup—so you can keep showing up with love (and less resentment) for your baby, your partner, and yourself.
What’s Usually Covered by Insurance in Ontario
Most extended health benefit plans (from work or school) include coverage for:
Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
Registered Psychotherapists (RPs)
Psychologists or Clinical Counsellors
Coverage amounts can vary—anywhere from $500 to $1500 per year—and are often renewed annually.
💡 Simple Smyles Tip: Therapy with an RSW is often the most affordable and widely covered option in Ontario.
How to Check What You’re Covered For
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you:
Log in to your insurance provider’s website or app
Look for “Mental Health,” “Counselling,” or “Paramedical Services”
Check for:
Who’s eligible (e.g. RSW, RP, psychologist)
Annual max amounts
Per-session or per-visit limits
If a doctor’s note is needed
Still confused? Give them a quick call—they’re there to help.
Submitting Claims: The Basics
After your session, your therapist will send you a receipt with all the info your provider needs (credentials, service date, fees, etc.). You’ll upload it to your provider’s portal, and usually get reimbursed within a few business days.
At Simple Smyles, we always make sure you leave with everything you need to submit.
No Insurance? You’ve Still Got Options.
We believe therapy should be accessible to all birthers and families. If you’re not covered, here are some ways to still get support:
Sliding scale options (many therapists offer them!)
Short-term support packages
Group counselling (virtual and in-person)
Free and low-cost mental health programs in your community
Free & Affordable Resources in Ontario
🌿 Wellness Together Canada: Free virtual support
🌼 Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario: Focused on pregnancy & postpartum mental health
🌺 Pacific Post Partum Support Society: Nationwide phone support
🌟 ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 – Mental health navigation
Your local public health unit may also offer parenting mental health programs
Final Thoughts from the Heart 💛
Postpartum therapy isn’t selfish—it’s soul care.
Your mental health deserves as much attention as your birth plan or baby’s feeding schedule. Whether you’re quietly struggling, feeling disconnected, or just want a space that’s yours, therapy can help you feel grounded, seen, and a little more like you again.
If you’ve been wondering if support is within reach—it is. And we’re cheering you on as you reach for it.