Join us as we sit down with Ellie Rinnick, a longtime NAPS client, Moms Together founder, and fellow romance novel enthusiast, to have a brutally honest conversation about postpartum, newborn life, and the expectations placed on new moms. Ellie shares how she struggled to connect with her newborn, why the idea that motherhood is "natural" set her up for failure, and how finding community changed everything.

Motherhood isn't all baby snuggles and magical moments—sometimes, it's wondering if you'll ever sleep again, texting your best friend "What have we done?", and crying over your nipples. And that's okay.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why you don't have to like your newborn—and why that doesn't make you a bad mom

• The myth that postpartum is "natural" and why that mindset sets moms up to struggle

• The moment Ellie realized she actually liked her baby (hint: it took weeks)

• The guilt of not feeling how you're "supposed" to feel after birth

• How finding a community of moms helped Ellie navigate postpartum struggles

• Reframing expectations for motherhood—because not every moment is magical

Key Takeaway:

• There's no manual for motherhood—but having real conversations like this one makes it a little easier.

Resources & Mentions:

• Moms Together – Ellie's in-person support groups for moms in the Milton, MA area

• NAPS Support Groups – Virtual and in-person groups to help parents feel less alone

• Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy – A book about how becoming a parent changes your brain

• Ellie's Podcast: Day in Her Life – Where Ellie interviews women about the details of their daily lives

Feast & Fettle: Use code NAPSPOD for $30 off your first order

SilverPost: Use code NAPSFAMILY for $5 off any plan

kozēkozē: Use code NAPS for 20% off your purchase