Is Feeling This Way Normal? Postpartum Truths, Microwaved Coffee, and a 2-Minute Reset

Well, to be honest, my coffee is never cold. It's definitely microwaved about half a dozen times, but rest assured, I will be drinking it hot—eventually.

I hope this finds you enjoying your caffeine however you deem perfect (whether it’s hot, cold, or somewhere in between).

I’m an ambivert. Most people who know me assume I’m an extrovert because I thrive in small group or one-on-one social settings. But there’s an introverted side of me too—an INFJ through and through—that holds a quiet perfectionist, a highly sensitive person, and a wannabe supermom.

Growing up, my room was a disaster, and my family would laugh if they knew how much a messy environment now amplifies my internal chaos. And asking for help? That’s been its own journey. In my eyes, my mom had it all together and could do it all. So why couldn’t I?

I never imagined I’d be sharing my deepest thoughts on a blog, but I do it because it matters.

It matters to talk about the tears that come before bedtime, knowing you’re about to face another long night. It matters to know that 70-100% of new moms experience intrusive thoughts—and you’re not alone. It matters to acknowledge that even if you wanted this baby more than anything, there will still be moments when you question everything.

One of the most important “red flags” I tell new moms is this: If you find yourself Googling, “Is feeling this way normal?”—it’s not.

I want you to know I’m real. I’ve had two very real postpartums and an ongoing healing journey that’s spanned the last four years. 

Meditation Corner

2 Minute Reset: Pause what you're doing, close your eyes, and focus on the tip of your nose. Notice how it feels cold when you inhale and warm when you exhale. Make your inhales last for a count of four and your exhales for a count of six. When you are finished open your eyes and notice the colors that surround you. 

If you’d like to explore what working together could look like, check out my website. And if you’re looking for immediate support, I highly recommend checking out Postpartum Support International. They offer free, invaluable resources for postpartum mental health and are an organization I’m proud to be pursuing my Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C) through.

Here for the mess and the magic,

Savannah DuLong

The Perinatal OT