You are not alone in feeling this way. Parents of children under 18 report higher stress levels than nonparents. When conversations about parenting focus only on the needs of the family, it can feel isolating and even shameful to admit you’re overwhelmed. You deserve care, too.

What is the super mom myth, really?

The super mom myth tells you that a “good” mom does it all: homemade meals, spotless house, thriving career, calm attitude, and endless patience. In real life, this impossible standard turns into chronic stress and mom burnout.

Burnout in mothers can show up in your body, emotions, relationships, and daily routines. It often builds slowly as you keep saying yes, taking on more, and ignoring your own needs.

Common signs of mom burnout include:

• Exhaustion, fatigue, or feeling tired all the time
• Annoyance, irritability, or a quick temper
• Withdrawing from family or your usual support system
• Feelings of guilt, regret, or “I’m not a good mom”
• Lack of fulfillment or confidence in parenting
• Trouble concentrating or falling and staying asleep
• “Analysis paralysis” or difficulty making decisions
• Changes in appetite

Some moms are at higher risk for burnout, including single moms, working moms, moms facing financial hardships or discrimination, and moms of children with special needs or chronic medical conditions. Noticing these signs is the first step toward loosening the grip of the super mom myth.

How can I let go of unrealistic “super mom” expectations?

The perfect mother doesn’t exist because you are human, not a superhero. The super mom myth often starts with tiny thoughts: “I should be able to handle this,” or “Everyone else is doing more than I am.” Letting go of those expectations can give you instant breathing room.

You do not have to do everything yourself. Try simple ways to take some weight off your shoulders:

• Use phone reminders instead of memorizing everyone’s schedule.
• Join a neighborhood school carpool so you’re not always the driver.
• Keep a frozen or easy meal on hand for nights when cooking is too much.

Mistakes will happen, and that is okay. Your worth as a mom is not measured by perfectly packed lunches or a spotless kitchen. Focus on what really matters: connection, safety, and love. Each time you choose “good enough” over “perfect,” you chip away at the super mom myth.

How do I practice real self-care (not another to-do)?

Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. The super mom myth tells you that everyone else comes first and your needs can wait. In reality, taking even a few minutes for yourself can steady your mood and energy so you can show up for your family.

• Take a five-minute walk outside and breathe deeply.
• Call or text your best friend for a quick check-in.
• Listen to your favorite song while you unload the dishwasher.

On the busiest days, make it a point to take at least one short break and do something you genuinely enjoy. These brief moments of rest can shift your whole day.

Self-care also means not overcommitting. The next time your child’s coach asks for volunteers, remember that you are allowed to say no. Protecting your time and inner peace is an important part of caring for your family. For simple, low-pressure outings, explore family-friendly events around Collier and Lee Counties using local community calendars instead of adding more stressful obligations.

How do I find connection without comparison?

When super moms feel stressed, they often pull away from others, which can make burnout feel even heavier. Finding connection can bring comfort, perspective, and much-needed empathy back into your life.

Connection can be simple:

• Reach out to one trusted mom friend and be honest about how you’re feeling.
• Join a local support group, parent group, or faith community.
• Say yes to coffee with another parent after drop-off now and then.

As you build support, avoid the trap of comparing yourself to other moms. You see their highlight reel, not their hardest moments. Remember the motto: connection, not comparison. The right people will make you feel less alone, not less than.

Why does my own health matter so much?

Moms are often excellent at managing their children’s appointments and vaccine schedules but skip their own checkups. Between work, after-school activities, and household tasks, your health can slip to the bottom of the list. Yet your physical health has a huge impact on how you feel and how you show up as a parent.

Regular visits with your primary care provider or OB/GYN help catch potential issues early and support your long-term well-being. These appointments are a chance to talk about sleep, mood, stress, appetite changes, and anything else that feels “off.”

• Schedule your annual primary care or OB/GYN visit and keep it on the calendar.
• Mention ongoing fatigue, anxiety, or sleep problems to your doctor.
• Ask questions about how stress might be affecting your body.

You would not ignore these concerns for your child; your body deserves the same care and attention.

When is it time to get professional support for burnout?

Mom burnout can be a lonely and challenging experience. If you have tried resting more, saying no, and leaning on friends, and you still feel stuck, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it is one of the bravest steps you can take.

A licensed mental health counselor can help you:

• Rebuild joy and confidence in your daily life and in motherhood.
• Understand what is driving your burnout.
• Learn new ways to manage stress, guilt, and “super mom” pressure.

The post How is the Super Mom Myth Shaping Burnout for Collier and Lee County Moms? appeared first on SWFL Family.

“Postpartum depression is real, and it sucks,” Sanchez said. “Never in a million years did I think my happy and laughing butt would be on an antidepressant, but here I am. I have an awesome and supportive family, but you can’t control your hormones.”

Sanchez knew that new mothers sometimes feel ashamed of these feelings, so she wanted to share her story and let people know that there is no shame, the feelings are real, and they are not something a new mom can control. So shortly after her daughter was born she posted about her experience on Facebook.

Angela is now 2 years old and Samantha is 8 months old. Sanchez said she believes she had a bit of postpartum depression with her first daughter, but it was worse with the second one.

“I cried a lot with Angela, but it was different with Samantha, just the feelings that I had. I cried every morning. It is way worse this time,” Sanchez described. 

The feelings can be scary and confusing. Sanchez loves being a mother. She loves snuggling with her daughters on the couch and reading to them. She loves holding them and being with them. That’s why the sadness can seem perplexing and overwhelming.

“I would just wake up in the mornings feeling really anxious,” she described. “I got to the point where I couldn’t be alone. There was a feeling of guilt. When I was holding one baby, I felt guilty that I was not spending time with the other. With Angela, she has some delays and eye issues and is underperforming, and I felt like I was not doing enough. It was just mom guilt. I think that just spiraled me down.”

When her husband left for work each day, she couldn’t bear to be alone. She realized she needed some extra support, so she would spend her days with the girls at her mother’s house, while on maternity leave from her job teaching at a local elementary school.

“Before I was coming here, I would look at the clock and count down the hours until my husband came home,” she described. “I wanted to do it on my own. I thought I could do it. Then I would look at the children, and I would start crying. I couldn’t read without crying. I couldn’t sing without crying. It was just cry, cry, cry.”

Sanchez says she has every reason to be happy, so the sadness felt strange.

“They are so beautiful,” she said as she held her daughters. “I am crying because I can’t believe they are mine. I have a happy marriage. I have everything I have wanted in life.”

Having the support of her family was not enough. So when a friend suggested that she talk to her doctor about postpartum depression, she headed to her physician.

Her doctor prescribed Prozac, which is an antidepressant.

“It took a couple of days,” she said. “The first week or so, I was feeling the anxiety and panic, but it has gotten a lot better. The pills are supposed to make you feel like you used to feel, and that’s how I feel now.”

Her journey is not unusual. Andrea Press of Press Psychology in Naples says it is extremely common to have some sort of issue after giving birth. While postpartum depression is more common in people who have a history of depression, Press said it can affect anyone.

“A lot of times there is no reason why,” Press said.

She praises people like Sanchez who are not afraid to talk about postpartum depression.

“Some people are scared to tell their doctor,” Press said. “It is really challenging. You have to advocate for yourself, and that is hard when all this is happening.”

She said society also plays a role in this.

“Part of it is the overall stigma of mental health,” Press said. “There is so much pressure on what a new mom should be like. And so many people ask how the baby is, but not how the mom is.”

She said many people and even some doctors don’t recognize the problem.

“A lot of times you have certain expectations on how your maternity leave will go, and how you will connect with the baby, and when that doesn’t happen you think it is something that you did wrong.” Press explained. “Once you deliver the baby there is a huge drop in hormones. When they say baby blues, that is pretty common, but if it has been more than two weeks, it is not baby blues anymore, and we have to do something.”

Press hopes more people seek help and also speak more about it to reduce the stigma.

“Just becoming a mom is hard,” she said. “It is not all rainbows and butterflies.”

It can be especially hard having two children within 18 months. There was the exhaustion. Samantha was going through cluster feeding for a while. There was the guilt when Angela wanted to be held, but Sanchez needed to tend to the infant.

When Sanchez first posted her journey on Facebook in December, she got dozens and dozens of comments, many from people who also struggled with postpartum depression. Some added information on their experiences, while others sent words of encouragement.

Lisa Michelle wrote about her struggles and how Prozac helped her too.

“It’s a long road, but you can and will get through it,” she stated. “I still want to cry when I think about the struggles I went through. I promise it gets easier – just keep climbing.”

“Postpartum depression is real,” wrote Becky Wright. “Honestly, I didn’t think life would ever get better. It’s hard to see the light, but I promise you, it’s there. Take one day, or hour, or even minute at a time. And, try to do something for yourself every day – a shower, a walk, anything counts. You’ve got this.”

“It is very real,” added Meredith Myers. “I had it bad, too. Hang in there momma, you’re doing a great job. Seeking help is what I had to do, too, and I felt embarrassed, but my doctor made it much easier to talk about.”

Kristie Allred wrote: “Thank you for sharing, so it doesn’t feel so lonely for others.”

Sanchez said sharing her experiences helped her see she was not alone. It helped her connect with others, and it gave her the satisfaction of providing support for people who might be afraid to talk about it.

“Like miscarriages, [postpartum depression] just isn’t spoken about, but is very common,” Sanchez stated. “I totally understand a private life and keeping things to yourself, or wanting to share life updates with the world. I personally decided to post since I knew it was common. So again, if you aren’t feeling yourself, it is worth a call to your doctor or even a Facebook post and others will reach out. It takes a village to not only raise kids, but to take care of each other.”

Today, Sanchez is doing much better. She plans to stay on the medication for a while, but she hopes to wean off of it eventually. She is now back teaching second grade, while knowing her little girls are safe at her mom’s house while she works. She loves reading to them, singing and dancing with them, and going for walks with her girls. She praises her husband, Mike, for all his support. She said things like positive self-talk, meditation, and exercise also can help.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out if you feel there is something that is not right,” Sanchez stressed. “There is no need to be ashamed. The more you talk about it, the more people will come to you. It is such a taboo subject, but I am not ashamed of it. People are just embarrassed. People don’t want to talk about private issues. I am a person that wants to talk about things. By reaching out I might help someone who is going through this.”

The post Naples Mom Speaks Out About Postpartum Depression appeared first on SWFL Family.

I did a brief inventory of my own group membership and found over 38 groups that had the word mom, family, or parent in the title. I belong to the groups I administrate for Neapolitan Family, plus some based on local mom interests, parents of students at Florida State University, University of Florida, and parents of students at both FSU and UF. Parents of Greeks, parents of pre-law, parents of study abroad, parents who belong to my same religion, and parents that have children with a disease in common.

There seems to be a Facebook group for every kind of parent of every kind of family. Launched in 2010, nearly six years after the inception of Facebook, groups can be public, private, or secret, and members can be accepted, denied, and blocked by the administrators and moderators. Even though most groups now offer the anonymous post option to maintain a safe space for the members, nothing on Facebook is ever 100% private.

In the pandemic era, communicating in groups became an even more important way for moms to stay connected. And, in response to difficulties brought on by the pandemic and the recent catastrophic hurricane, some groups began to offer financial support and donations to struggling moms, and even staged a few middle of the night escapes to women suffering from domestic abuse.

I spoke to several local moms’ groups, and one created just for dads, about the evolution of their groups and how they became such a powerful source of support in our community.

Naples Moms 2.0: 21,100 members

The Naples Moms Group (2.0) was founded in 2018 by Naples Realtor Judy Huntley. She created the group the same day that the original Naples Moms Group was archived without warning. Because of the size of the group, Judy relies on moderators Nadine Eubanks and Renee Kirnon to monitor posts and approve new members. The group is made up of new and seasoned moms, grandmothers, and moms-to-be.

The most popular topics are not surprising: baby weaning, breast feeding, general parenting, marriage troubles, and searching for babysitters, photographers, day care, and health care providers. Not surprisingly, off-limit topics included politics and opinions about circumcision and vaccines.

There are sub groups for more specific conversations such as Naples Moms Marketplace for members to sell their personal items or to advertise their businesses, Naples Moms Virtual/Homeschooling Co-Op, Naples Moms Newcomers, as well as their own neighborhood page, Golden Gate Estates Neighbors: Advice, Tips & News.

The group also has hosted an annual holiday bazaar event, complete with mom-owned business vendors, entertainment, and food trucks.

Harnessing help beyond advice became a huge focus of the group in recent years. “During COVID, we paid rents and utilities and brought groceries to our fellow moms in need who found themselves suddenly without income,” Huntley told us. “We mobilized again after Hurricane Ian as we filled our members’ trunks with donated goods and brought them directly to the hardest hit areas in both Naples and Fort Myers, offering hope, water, ice, diapers, and even insulin. We fed an entire apartment complex of kids that hadn’t had power in weeks with a huge pizza party and brought loads of diapers and wipes.”

In addition to recent crises, the group raises thousands of dollars each Christmas and sends that money to surprise dozens of families who needed a little miracle. They also have helped pediatric cancer patients go on Disney trips, and delivered a carload of gifts, goods, and gift cards to a secret women’s shelter in Immokalee.

“We have a secret side group of women who have the resources to move mountains, and I can reach out to them with the bigger tasks,” Huntley says.

“One time, a group member submitted an anonymous post about needing a bus ticket out of here to get to family and away from an abuser,” she reflects. “My daughter and I drove straight over and brought them to The Shelter Naples. We ended up caring for her daughter briefly while she worked and got on her feet. I am happy and proud to say that today she is doing amazing, is employed, has her own place, and is getting married to a wonderful man. I am so proud to know her.”

Huntley says helping women who need to leave abusive relationships and start over has been some of the most “meaningful moments of my life.”

The Real Moms of Naples: 13,000 members

Around the same time Naples Moms 2.0 was created, another local mom and Realtor, Karly Carballea, created her own group. The Real Moms of Naples also is made up of all kinds of moms and caregivers who often belong to both groups to increase their crowdsourcing of information and opinions. For that reason, Carballea recently changed the name from Moms of Naples to The Real Moms of Naples so people would not get confused as to which group they were posting in. The topics are similar to the other mom groups but, according to Carbella, no subject is off limits as long as the conversation remains kind and respectful.

Carballea plans a monthly event that any member can attend so that they can meet other moms in real life and become friends, while patronizing the small, local businesses that often struggled during the pandemic and recent hurricanes. She also has planned volunteer events for local nonprofits such as Beverly’s Angels and Salvation Army, including a pop-up shop where families could select necessities from donated items. She currently is working on a project that will include a quarterly nonprofit event.

Naples Moms of Tweens and Teens (MOTTS): 1,118 members

This group was created by three moms because the local social media groups available in our area in 2019 were geared toward moms of infants, toddlers, and younger elementary-age children. “Parenting tweens and teens introduces daily challenges and practices in patience,” moderator Jennifer Stoneburner explains. “This group has developed a relaxed environment where moms understand that they are not alone in riding the roller coaster of parenting adolescents and budding adults.”

Stoneburner says that the best thing about the group is that the moms do not judge, and instead find ways to support, understand, and sympathize with one another.

She says the most popular posts are those that shine a humorous light on this chapter in our journey. Off-limit topics include religion, politics, and hate speech.

The group hosts a MOTTS Night Out the first week each month at a locally owned establishment, in addition to occasional daytime coffee meet-ups. “Personally, it has been amazing to observe the fellowship and the camaraderie among a group of like-minded women,” Stoneburner says. “Friendships have been forged in these monthly meet-ups, and that is what it is all about.”

The Posh Mama Club of Naples: 118 members

Moms who trend toward a more glamorous lifestyle, or who aspire to, will find like-minded mamas in The Posh Mama Club of Naples. Founded by Emely Darby, a former corporate social responsibility and public relations director, the club was created to become a safe haven for fashion-forward mothers who want a little bit of glitz and glam in between the tantrums, diaper changes, and chaos. 

TPMC focuses on the mothers’ morale through fashion expression, networking, empowerment, and fun, Darby says. She is proud that this is a diverse group of like-minded current/former entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, brokers, physicians, and stay-at-home mamas who share a passion for fashion, beauty, and staying active within the community.

Darby says that the most popular group topics are self-identity, empowerment, latest trends, business goals, self-reflection, and the next brunch or happy hour spot, with the goal of creating “genuine friendships with women who feel the same and creating a safe space away from conflict.”

The group hosts at least four private socials per month, plus a book club and a Posh Kids social.

TPMC hosts an annual “PoshGiving” to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and has collaborated with Cancer Alliance of Naples, Humane Society, Make-A-Wish, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation South Gulf Coast Chapter. 

Dads of Naples: 202 members

Are there any Facebook groups just for local dads? We found one. Dads of Naples is moderated by Jay Weitzner, who owns Symmetry Exercise Clinic in Naples. The group was created for dads to have a place to connect and have a “dad-perspective” of events, topics, and things to do in general. While the group does not have as many members as the moms’ groups, Weitzner plans to host live events to build the group, which he says is diverse in every way, including, politically, professionally, and economically, but “it’s no Reddit,” he jokes.

We regret that Karly Carbellea’s name was misspelled in the May issue.

The post Naples Moms (and Dads!) Find Community in local Facebook Parent Groups appeared first on SWFL Family.

One year later, the boys are now 3 and 2 years old, and the Clevenger family has added one more blossom to the family crops: daughter Avery was born in August. Currently, they are preparing for their popular fall festival, which Farmer Mike delights in hosting each year.

How did your husband and you meet? My husband and I met at a small gym run by some of his friends. I had recently gotten my Jeep Wrangler lifted, and it came back with all sorts of problems. I walked out of the gym one night and saw (another) lifted truck. I busted back in the gym saying “Whose truck is that?” Mike looked up from his workout. I asked him who did the lift. He said he did it himself. He walked outside to look at mine, and the rest is history.

What were your thoughts about marrying a farmer? I actually come from a farming family. My father is a tomato and pepper breeder, and my mother and aunt worked out in Immokalee on a farm where my sister, cousin, and I spent a lot of time growing up. When we started dating and I mentioned the Clevenger name my father was thrilled. He had known Mike and his father over the years through farming. 

What is Farmer Mike’s U Pick? My father-in-law – Farmer Mike, Sr. – has been running Farmer Mike’s U Pick for over 20 years in Bonita Springs. Five years ago, my husband “Farmer Mike, Jr.” found himself going back to his roots, wanting to grow the family farm. He took over everyday operations. We quickly implemented a strategy to share the farm experience with the community and started hosting the fall festival. A little over two years ago, we started our wholesale foodservice distribution, which supplies produce and flowers straight off the farm to local supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. We strive to grow the cleanest and freshest produce and enjoy watching the community out on the farm, excited to be picking their own produce.

What are your jobs on the farm? I currently host all the school field trips around the farm, as well as birthday parties and special events, and now run our annual Community Supported Agriculture program.

How do your children help with the farm? The kids love to “help” me with field trips. They can both pretty much recite word-for-word the tour I give since they are with me every day. My husband and father-in-law can’t wait to put them to work on the water wagon in years to come! 

What would surprise us about life as a farming family? It never ends. My husband’s phone goes off at all times with problems that he must tend to. Especially during rain storms, from a light rain to a hurricane (such as recent Hurricane Dorian), he doesn’t sleep. He and my father-in-law stay on the radar until it passes. In farming you don’t really have control,  Mother Nature does so it’s stressful since it is what provides for our family. 

What does your family love about farm life? Being a part of an awesome family business that is constantly growing is my favorite thing. The hard work, dedication, and long hours that everyone puts in to make it successful are so humbling, and it teaches the kids great work ethics. The kids love tractor rides with Dad, running barefoot through the farm, and picking and eating everything right off the plants.

Do your kids eat their vegetables? Yes! Every night I cook multiple veggies for dinner. Broccoli, romanesco, carrots, and cauliflower are some of their favorites. Although their favorite way to eat vegetables is straight off the vine at the farm. They eat heirloom tomatoes like apples! 

Have you ever lost your kids on the farm? Last year, my sister and I were running the ticket booth during the fall festival, and the boys were running around playing with another boy, per usual. I was watching them and noticed Carter (he was 1 at the time) went behind a food trailer. My kids have never been wanderers, so I wasn’t too worried. I finished my transaction and I walked back to grab Carter. He wasn’t there. Pure panic set in as it was the parking lot right behind the trailer. My husband, my sister, and I took off in separate directions looking. I frantically ran to the parking lot manager and told him stop every car before they leave and check the car for Carter. After about five minutes of frantically running through the farm looking for him, my sister saw him with the mother of the boy he was playing with 50 yards away on the pumpkin patch. I’ve never been more scared in my life. We bought tracking devices to clip to them both after that. 

Describe your experience going from two to three kids. Honestly, it has been the easiest transition for me. I run a tight ship with rules, routine, and high expectations of their behaviors, which has made the transition easy, because essentially nothing has changed; there is just a little girl tagging along. We have resumed our normal daily routine with play dates and errands as we wait for field trips to start up in October.

The post Momentum Mom: Emily Clevenger appeared first on SWFL Family.

1. Bring a meal. Friends and family often send versatile casseroles like lasagna. Try thinking outside the 13×9 pan. Why not bring the family the fixings for breakfast and lunch rather than just dinner? Stock the freezer with easy, ready-to-make items like pizza, pasta dishes, soups, and crock pot meals. Or bring the family their favorite take out or send a gift card.

2. Set up a meal train. When one meal just doesn’t cover it, set up a meal train using websites like signupgenius.com or takethemameal. com. Discuss with the family the most convenient dates and times to deliver meals and solicit friends to fill all the open spots. Social media is a great place to recruit people you might not otherwise think to ask. 

3. Help with pets. If the family is making trips to the doctor or hospital, offer to feed the cat or walk the dog while they are out. This will help give the family peace of mind while they focus on what is important.

4. Offer to babysit. Show support by offering to baby-sit, even if it is just for a couple hours. If you are taking your own children to the park, swing by and pick up their children for the afternoon. This gets them out of the house and gives the parents a break. Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help for a family that is dealing with change.

5. Clean the house. Sweep the floor, change laundry loads, vacuum, do dishes, or fold some laundry. Even a little bit of picking up can make a big difference. A clean house during chaos can bring some much needed peace during a chaotic time.

6. Run errands. If you are on your way to the store anyway, why not send a quick text and ask if the family needs anything: toilet paper, diapers, or snacks? Does mom want a coffee or some lunch? Many grocery stores offer drive-through pick up these days. Have the family order and pay for groceries online, then pick them up and deliver them. Offering to help put them away would be an extra bonus.

7. Leave a surprise on the doorstep. If the family is not up for visitors, leave a surprise on the doorstep for them. You can create a care pack-age with special treats, magazines, snacks, and a card.

8. Take food to the hospital. It is common knowledge that hospital food is not gourmet. If someone is in the hospital supporting a family member, offer to deliver food to them. Bring homemade meals for them to warm up later or offer to sit at their loved one’s bedside while they take a walk and get some fresh air.

9. Listen. Sometimes a long talk is very therapeutic. When you visit, lis-ten attentively and offer your support. Call and check on them, even if you just leave a voicemail. In these times of texts and emails, receiving a phone call shows you will go the extra mile to support a friend. However, even an email or text shows you are offering support while leaving it in their hands to respond when the time is right.

The post What Can I Do to Help? Nine Tips for Helping a Family Struggling Through a Difficult Time appeared first on SWFL Family.

Trimming your baby budget

Diapers. To save on diapers, consider switching to cloth. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use and come in cute designs. The initial cost is typically $10-$20 per diaper, but they can be reused for years. If cloth diapers aren’t for your family, there are still ways to save money on disposable diapers. Check manufacturer websites for high dollar coupons and combine with store sales. Generic diapers are another great way to save and they typically are comparable to name brand.

Formula. Breastfeeding is not always an option for families for a variety of reasons and formula is pricey. Coupons and rebates are readily available from the manufacturer. Go to the manufacturer’s website and sign up for additional coupons and have friends and family do the same. You can also ask your obstetrician and pediatrician for free formula samples.

Baby gear. Car seat, stroller, high chair, bouncer, swing, and more. There sure is a lot of gear for someone so small and it seems each item costs $100, often more. It’s wise to buy a new car seat that meets current safety standards but all the other items can be purchased gently used and later sold again when your family no longer needs them.

Baby clothes. Babies grow fast, so it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on several cute baby outfits when your child outgrows them only a few weeks later. Consider buying gently used clothing and/or asking friends for hand me downs. If you want new items, buy less than you think you will need because they are used for only a short time.

Child care. To save money on child care, you have to get creative. Ideas include having a family or friend watch the baby at a lower rate, trading babysitting with another family, or alternating shifts with your partner to reduce time in child care. Some companies offer flexible spending plans to pay for child care with pre-tax money.

Trimming other areas

Wardrobe. The key to saving money on adult clothing is to shop for versatile pieces that can be worn many different ways. A solid color top can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt and paired with a scarf, necklace, or jacket, or worn alone for a variety of looks. Once you have your key pieces, only buy clothing when you really need it.

Food. There are several ways to cut costs in this area. Purchasing groceries with coupons, on sale, or generic brands can save money. Also, consider making items from scratch and eating out less to help trim your food budget. A quick Google search will provide you with several $5 meals ideas.

Entertainment. Just because a new baby is in the house doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying entertainment, but you might need to approach a night out in a new way. You do not have to go without movies, concerts, or area attractions, but you should check deal sites to see if there are any options available to you. This will require planning ahead to make sure it fits into the budget and that you have child care covered, if necessary. Also consider if items like cable or streaming subscriptions are necessary. Choose to pay for the entertainment you use and enjoy.

Reduce. Our homes are filled with items we rarely use. Consider selling these items to put extra cash in your hand that can be used for all those new baby expenses. Have a garage sale, utilize consignment sales, or sell items in online marketplaces.

Trim expenses. Look at the family budget and evaluate where you can easily trim expenses. Do you belong to a gym, have club memberships, subscriptions, or other monthly bills that you do not use enough to justify the expense? Discuss with your partner whether some of these items can be cut to free up the money for other expenses.

DIY. A simple way to save money is to do things yourself. Cleaning and lawn services are nice but expensive. Taking care of it yourself is free. Try it yourself first and save the money you would have spent on labor.

Bringing home a new baby is an adjustment in many ways and financial priorities may have shifted in your family. In time, you will adjust to your new lifestyle and budget and you will feel comfortable with budgeting after baby.

SARAH LYONS is a stay-at-home mom of six children, including two-year-old triplets. She has learned to cut costs and save money in a variety of ways over the years as they added to their family.

The post Budgeting After Baby appeared first on SWFL Family.

Keep your focus

There are many reasons a mom will be put on bed rest, but most often, it is because of the risk of pre-term labor. Focus on the goal, which is allowing baby to grow as long as possible. Reminding yourself of this will help keep you going each day.

Keep a record

Many moms find that writing in a journal or starting a blog is therapeutic. Record your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy, as well as what is going on that day. Take pictures to document the pregnancy. After the birth, you will have a record to look back on.

Keep entertained

Many hospitals are equipped with free wi-fi for patients to use. This comes in extra handy while on bed rest. Catch up on your TV shows, read books or magazines, watch movies, do some Internet shopping, play games on your phone or tablet, scroll through Facebook or Pinterest, and research the best car seat for baby. Utilize any form of entertainment to pass the time.

Keep resting

The adage: “Enjoy sleeping now because when baby comes you will wish you could sleep more.” is very hard for most moms to hear when they are forced into bed rest. However, it is a common saying because it is true. Rest is best for baby and mom. Try to make the most of it while you can.

Keep comfortable

Create a comfortable space wherever you are resting. At home, keep snacks, water, books, and other items close at hand so you don’t have to be up and about during the day. Bring comforts from home to the hospital. Items like blankets and pillows, pictures of family, and any favorites that make you feel more comfortable will ease the time you spend at the hospital.

Keep busy

This is the time to catch up on the things you never have time to do. Try beauty maintenance such as painting your fingernails or plucking your eyebrows. Teach yourself a new skill like knitting or crocheting using free tutorial videos online. Finish the thank you cards from your baby shower. Anything to pass the time.

Keep a routine

Wake up at approximately the same time daily, shower, get dressed, eat meals at the same times, and do basically the same activities each day. Keeping a simple daily routine will help time pass and help create a sense of normalcy. If you are working, get a laptop and keep up with your work from your home or the hospital bed.

Keep a positive perspective

It is hard not to get down when you see the same four walls day in and day out, sometimes for weeks on end. Keep telling yourself “You can do it!”. Take each day as it comes and keep pushing yourself toward your goal. Remind yourself this is temporary and will be worth it in the end. Someday this will all be a distant memory.

Keep a support system

A strong support system is key to surviving bed rest. Encourage friends and family to visit as much as possible. Having people around to talk to does wonders to raise spirits for a mom on bed rest. If family and friends offer to help by bringing meals, caring for older children, or doing housework, accept the help.

The main thing to remember while on bed rest is that it will end. Each day the baby stays in utero is less time baby will spend in the NICU. Take one day at a time and try to remain positive. Soon enough, you will be holding your baby in your arms.

How to Survive Hospital Bed Rest

Hospital bed rest is a totally different experience than resting at home. The four walls of a hospital room can feel like a prison after looking at them for days and weeks on end. Here are some ways to survive hospital bed rest.

Sleep. Often, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in the hospital. Taking naps throughout the day is healthy for mom and baby and passes the time.

Accept visitors. If someone offers to visit, accept their offer. It’s always nice to have someone new to talk to.

Comforts. Bring as many comforts from home as you can. Having a favorite pillow or photos of loved ones can do a lot to encourage you.

Go for a ride. Ask if you are allowed to go for a ride in a wheelchair. A change of scenery, even for a few minutes, can make a big difference.

Throw a party. Ask friends or family to bring dinner to you. Watch a movie together or just chat. Make it a weekly event so you have something to look forward to.

One day at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the days are long and boring. Try to take one day at a time and remain positive. Each day that passes is allowing baby to grow bigger and stronger.

SARAH LYONS survived five weeks on bed rest prior to the birth of her triplets in 2014.

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