You can read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, and save every “new mom” tip you see online. And still, nothing really prepares you for the first year of motherhood.

At some point, we all think, Why did no one tell me this part?

If you’re in that season right now, this is us sitting next to you saying, “You’re not alone.”

Your relationship feels different

You expect less sleep. What you don’t always expect is how much your relationship shifts. You’re both tired. You’re both learning. Some days feel heavy. Other days you just look at each other and think, Wow, we’re really doing this. Missing your old rhythm doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. It just means a lot has changed.

Your baby changes nonstop

People say it goes by fast, and they’re right. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, it stops working. Clothes don’t fit. Routines fall apart. You’re not behind. You’re just parenting a baby who’s growing right in front of you.

The worry can catch you off guard

Even moms who never worried much before can feel it show up. Checking on them one more time. Replaying the day in your head. Feeling protective in a way that feels new. This is really common in the first year. And if it starts to feel heavy, talking about it helps. You don’t have to keep it all to yourself.

You can love your baby and still feel overwhelmed

This is a big one. You can be completely in love and completely exhausted. Happy to be a mom and still miss parts of your old life. Those feelings can exist at the same time. They don’t cancel each other out.

Bonding doesn’t always happen right away

For some moms, it’s instant. For others, it builds slowly. For many of us, bonding happened in the middle of the night, during diaper changes, or while rocking a baby who would not sleep. If it didn’t feel magical right away, that’s okay. Love can grow quietly.

You start to feel like a different version of yourself

Motherhood has a way of changing how you see yourself. You might wonder who you are now or feel pulled in a hundred different directions. Even on days you feel worn down, just remember you’re doing really hard things and on very little sleep. That takes amazing strength, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Small systems can make days feel easier

Nothing fixes everything, but a few simple home set-ups can help your days feel calmer. Many of us swear by felt drawer organizers to keep baby clothes and accessories easy to find. When your space works for you, the day just feels a little less overwhelming.

If you’re in your first year of motherhood, here’s what we want you to know:

You’re doing better than you think. It’s normal to feel mixed emotions. Bonding can take time. Asking for help is a good thing. And small systems really do make a difference.

This season can feel long and fast all at once. If you’re in it right now, just know we’re here cheering you on.