Have you ever felt like a square peg trying to squeeze into the round hole that is the picture-perfect world of parenting? As a postpartum doula, I've noticed that the festive season often exacerbates this tension, piling on the pressure to curate an Instagram-worthy holiday experience while navigating the highs and lows of new parenthood. So, let's shake off the shackles of perfection and embrace the beauty of an imperfect, normal postpartum and parenting journey. We'll discuss the challenges of bonding with your newborn, interpreting their cues, and managing the festive frenzy, reminding you that it's okay to opt for comfort over glamour.  Parenthood is a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially during the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Instead of letting these feelings overwhelm you, I invite you to join me as we normalize the fear of the unknown and learn to be kinder to ourselves. We discuss why it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers and how making mistakes is an integral part of the journey.  Take a deep breath and step away from the unrealistic expectations set by social media. Remember, there's no such thing as a 'perfect parent,' and it's okay to carve out your own unique path. Together, let's revolutionize your approach to pregnancy and parenthood. In this episode, you will hear: Challenging societal pressures to curate a 'perfect' holiday season.The realities of postpartum body image and the societal pressure to dress up during the festive season.The uncertainties and challenges of parenting and debunking the myth of 'perfect parenting.'Common struggles faced by new parents.Normalizing the need for help and support in addressing baby feeding issues and interpreting baby cues.Discussing the appearance of postpartum.The importance of creating one's own supportive community or village during the postpartum period.Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. You can learn more about how I empower new and expecting parents on my Instagram and my website.