Embracing — and Grieving — Your New Season of Life

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 Beauty of Babywearing: Bonding, Comfort, and Hands-Free Parenting

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?

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:

1. Log in to your insurance provider’s website or app

2. Look for “Mental Health,” “Counselling,” or “Paramedical Services”

3. 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.