In a recent interview on the Well-Adjusted Mama podcast, I opened up to Dr. Laura Brayton about my experience with postpartum depression and how the darkest period of my life became the inspiration for creating Elle’s Corner. That challenging time made me realize the importance of providing support for other moms who are struggling. Elle’s Corner was born out of this realization, offering busy moms access to bite-sized learning and mental health resources, no matter how little time they have in their day.

As a new mom, you might hear a lot about babywearing, and for good reason! It's more than just a convenient way to carry your baby—it's a powerful tool that helps strengthen the bond between you and your little one while providing numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. In this blog, we'll explore why babywearing is an essential practice for new moms, how it can boost your mental health, and the other incredible benefits it offers.

Ever feel like you are always doing laundry? There’s always laundry. In the dirty laundry hamper, the dryer, and the clean clothes hamper. There’s probably a pile somewhere you’ve forgotten about. Laundry is cyclical. You’ll never really be done with it. And that’s ok. It means you can take a breath and maybe not be quite so overwhelmed by laundry. As long as everyone in your family has clean clothes every day (most days?) you are on top of your laundry. 

Vacations are often portrayed as the ultimate way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with loved ones. Yet, what happens when the very thing that’s supposed to rejuvenate you starts to break you down? This summer, while staying at our family home on a beautiful French island, I found myself facing a surprising struggle with my mental health, and it was an eye-opening experience.

Taking a vacation with a toddler was something I never thought would be possible. The mere thought of going on a trip with our 2.5-year-old scared the crap out of me. I could barely handle a 20-minute drive without turning into a ball of anxiety, so an 8-hour road trip felt like an impossible feat.

As a mother and advocate for confident, empowered parenting, I am always on the lookout for resources that can help us navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood. Today, I'm excited to share with you my current favorite (parenting) books. These books offer invaluable insights, practical strategies, and compassionate advice, all aimed at helping you create a harmonious and nurturing environment for your family. Whether you're dealing with discipline, striving for better mental health, or seeking a fair division of household labor, these books have something for everyone.

Giving birth is amazing, and intense, and can be painful. If you’ve gone through a vaginal birth you literally pushed out a whole human being down there! Understandably your body changes a lot during pregnancy, but once you’re baby in earth-side your body goes through another big change; transforming into your mom body. At Elle’s Corner we celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes, what matter to us is how you feel in your own body! However, we also very much acknowledge that the first time being intimate with your partner after birth can be exiting, daunting, or even scary. In this blog you’ll read all about the hows & whats, experiences from other moms, and my own journey in this new and unexplored territory.

The postpartum period can be a mix of joy and challenges. Many new moms experience a range of emotions, and it’s not uncommon to feel down or anxious. In fact, about 1 in 7 women go through PPD. It’s important to know you’re not alone and there are ways to help manage these feelings. Positive psychology focuses on what makes life worth living. Instead of just treating mental health issues, it looks at ways to enhance well-being and happiness. For new moms, incorporating these principles can make a big difference. 

Meal prepping can be a true lifesaver for new moms. By planning and preparing meals in advance, you can significantly reduce daily stress and free up valuable time for self-care. Instead of scrambling to make meals every day, you have nutritious options ready to go, which is crucial for maintaining both your physical and mental well-being. This not only ensures that you and your family eat healthily but also gives you more time to relax, rest, or engage in activities that rejuvenate you.

The journey through postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/PPA) is unique to every mother, enveloping many in a shadow that seems to suck the vibrant joy out of motherhood. However, even in the deepest of these shadows, hope and healing can be found. Today, I'm opening up about my personal battle with PPD/PPA and the five key strategies that guided me towards recovery. My hope is that by sharing my experience, I can light a path for others who may be struggling in silence.

Welcome to a very personal sharing on my blog. Today, I'm opening up my heart and my diary to share a letter I wrote to myself when I was 16 weeks postpartum. This isn’t just a reflection; it’s a testament to the struggles, the despair, and ultimately, the resilience and hope that define the postpartum journey for so many of us. In this letter, I confront the realities of postpartum depression and anxiety, the unspoken hardships of motherhood, and the transformative power of seeking help. It’s a raw and honest account, intended to reach out to any mother who finds herself in the throes of similar challenges

Navigating the postpartum period can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet amidst the demands of a newborn. Proper nutrition is vital during this time as it supports recovery, boosts energy levels, and aids in overall well-being. Here are some easy meal prep and nutritional dinner ideas specifically designed for postpartum moms.

Research shows that having regular routines can significantly improve mental health. A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with consistent routines had lower levels of depression and anxiety. For me the topic of discipline was a biggie, during my PPD & PPA I felt so trapped and taken prisoner by my situation. I was very resentful towards myself because I wanted a baby so bad, and now that I had my daughter the only thing I wanted was freedom and not having to deal with all these strict tasks to keep myself and my baby alive…

As a mother, the concept of self-care often felt like a distant, perhaps even indulgent, idea. Caught in the beautiful yet relentless whirlwind of motherhood, I used to brush aside the notion of self-care, thinking my moments of respite would come "later." But as the days blurred into nights and my energy waned, I realized that waiting for "later" left me feeling depleted, less patient, and frankly, a bit lost in my own life. This personal revelation led me to a simple, yet profoundly transformative approach: the 5-30-60 Self-Care Challenge.

In today's digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for connection, information, and inspiration. However, for new moms, scrolling through polished photos of influencers portraying the 'picture-perfect' mom life can often feel overwhelming, if not downright discouraging. How do we bridge the gap between the real challenges of motherhood and the idealized images we see on platforms like Instagram? The secret lies in curating your feed and understanding the algorithm. Here's how you can tailor your social media experience to be more empowering and relevant for you. 

Becoming a mom was a transformation I eagerly anticipated, but it came with challenges I never expected. During my pregnancy and the postpartum period, I struggled deeply with my mental health. It was a time filled with uncertainty, fear, and a sense of isolation. Postpartum depression and anxiety were not just terms for me; they were vivid, daily realities that overshadowed the joy of motherhood.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in a fantastic online networking event for mom entrepreneurs. It was truly amazing to see and hear from all these incredible mamas who are dedicated to making the world a better place. The energy, passion, and creativity were absolutely infectious, and I feel so renewed with energy today.

As new mothers, we embrace an array of changes, both beautiful and challenging. One such challenge that isn't often discussed openly is postpartum hair loss. Today, we're shedding light on this natural phenomenon, understanding its causes, prevalence, and exploring ways to manage it.

Creating a mindful morning routine is more than just setting the alarm early or planning your to-do list the night before. It's about crafting a series of intentional actions that prime you for a day filled with purpose, peace, and productivity. For moms, in particular, the morning can set the tone for the entire household, influencing not just our well-being but that of our families too. Here's a deeper dive into the science behind a mindful morning routine and its transformative impact, especially for moms and their families.

I'm currently on a little getaway with my husband, soaking up some quiet moments away from our bustling household. Yep, it's just the two of us, no diaper changes or toddler negotiations in sight. And while I miss our little girl like crazy, I've been reflecting on some pretty important self-care lessons that I wanted to share with you.