Adapting to the Absence Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need It
Postpartum is a season of change, filled with joy, exhaustion, and countless adjustments. One of the biggest shifts new parents experience is the absence of things they once had—uninterrupted sleep, alone time, consistent support, or even a sense of self beyond parenthood.
But the truth is just because you’ve adapted to not having something doesn’t mean you don’t need it.
Many new parents become so accustomed to “just getting by” that they forget they’re worthy of rest, help, and connection. Adapting to exhaustion doesn’t make sleep less important. Learning to navigate postpartum without a strong support system doesn’t mean you don’t need one. Functioning without moments for yourself doesn’t mean you should have to.
Whether it's leaning on your partner, reaching out to family and friends, or building a support network, it’s okay to ask for and receive help. Parenthood isn’t meant to be a solo journey.
Take a moment to reflect:
What have you learned to live without that you still deeply need?
Who in your village can you reach out to for support?
How can you create space for rest, connection, and care—without guilt?
You deserve to be cared for, just as much as your baby does. Let’s normalize seeking support and embracing the connections that make this journey feel a little lighter.
