More than just a safe space– New Mom School is a place where mothers gather to share their story. After all, that is the greatest way to connect with others. Being open and vulnerable can set the tone for new friendships that carry us through difficult times. Our alumni mamas are a standing testimony to what motherhood *and* New Mom School is all about. Read along as Daniela, (a mama from Edmond, Oklahoma’s New Mom School) shares her experience.
What has become your favorite thing about motherhood?
“It’s hard to choose just one favorite thing about motherhood, especially when I’ve dreamt of being a mother for so long. Going through IVF treatment to become a mother was not what I had imagined going through. However, watching my daughter grow into her own little person, full of personality and a smile that melts my heart, has been magical. Every milestone she reaches becomes my new favorite moment– from the first time she slept through the night to trying new foods and everything in between. She looks at me with so much love, curiosity, and trust reminding me that this chapter was what I had been preparing for most of my life. Being her mother, is my favorite part of motherhood and every challenge I overcame to have her feels like a small price for the love and light she has brought into my life.”
What has been the biggest reality check for you postpartum?
“My biggest reality check postpartum has been the unexpected waves of anxiety that can hit at any moment. We often hear about postpartum depression, but postpartum anxiety doesn’t get nearly enough attention. The intrusive thoughts, the constant mental tug-of-war between wanting to ask for help and fearing judgment or feeling like a burden are things that I struggled with. “What’s helped me most is having a village that truly shows up– not just in the first few days after birth, but in the weeks and months that follow. Consistent support, check-ins, and understanding makes all the difference. Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also vulnerable, and we need to normalize talking about the hard parts too. The silence can be isolating, and I think many mothers experience it without realizing they are not alone.”
How did New Mom School impact your postpartum?
“New Mom School had a profound impact on my postpartum experience by providing a safe, supportive space to share the full spectrum of what motherhood really looks like. It opened the door to honest conversations around topics such as mental health, baby development, navigating changes in your relationship, and so much more. Each week, I connected with an incredible group of moms who were also in the thick of it. We laughed, we cried, we sang songs, and we watched our babies grow together. For me personally, without family to lean on outside of my partner, this group became the village I didn’t know I needed. These women became friends and support that I know I can count on, without judgment. New Mom School was a lifeline for me in those early weeks with my daughter and I believe it will continue to be a support source for us as she grows.”