Author: Brittany Pinter

The Postpartum Period: What I Wish Every Mama Knew (Plus My Amazon Must-Haves)

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

The postpartum period… whew. No matter how many babies you’ve had, nothing prepares you for the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster that hits the moment your little one arrives.

As a therapist and mama of four, I’ve lived both sides of it — the clinical understanding and the raw, messy, beautiful reality of being knee-deep in newborn days. Whether you’re freshly postpartum or preparing for your next baby, this guide is here to support you, validate you, and simplify your life with the products that actually make a difference.

The Emotional Side of Postpartum: You’re Not “Too Much,” You’re Human

Those first few weeks can feel like a blur of:

  • Tears you can’t explain
  • Joy that takes your breath away
  • Anxiety over every sound your baby makes
  • The feeling of being touched-out yet desperately in love
  • Hormones doing gymnastics

This is normal.
This is human.
This is postpartum.

It’s okay to need breaks. It’s okay to not feel like yourself. And it’s okay to ask for support.

My Postpartum Essentials (Mama-Approved + Used With All 4 Babies)

Below are the things that made my postpartum period smoother, more comfortable, and more manageable.

1. Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

This tiny silicone miracle is how I built a freezer stash with all four of my babies without “pumping.”
Perfect for catching letdown so you don’t waste a drop.
👉 here

2. Postpartum Recovery Kit Essentials

Think of this as your “mama survival kit.” My must-includes:

  • Peri bottle
  • Witch hazel pads
  • Mesh undies
  • Dermoplast
  • Perineal ice packs

👉 here

3. The Comfy Nursing/Pumping Bras

Because the early days require bras that feel like clouds, not torture devices.
👉 here

4. Oversized Water Bottle (Because You WILL Forget to Drink)

Hydration is everything postpartum — mood, milk supply, healing… all of it.
👉 here

5. Electric Double Pump (Traditional + Reliable)

These are the heavy-duty workhorses.
Often covered by insurance and great for building supply or exclusively pumping.

Spectra S1/S2 – Loved for comfort + suction
👉 here

6. Nursing-Friendly Pajamas

Soft, stretchy, and designed for easy pull-aside access — perfect for those middle-of-the-night feeds and postpartum comfort.
👉 here

7. Night Light/Sound machine for Feedings

A soft, dimmable night light sound machine combo is a must for those 2 a.m. feeds.
👉 here

Mental Health in Postpartum: A Therapist-Mama’s Perspective

What I see again and again in my clients — and what I’ve lived personally — is that postpartum requires permission.
Permission to rest.
Permission to say no.
Permission to lower the bar.
Permission to not be perfect.
Permission to feel exactly how you feel.

Here are a few grounding reminders to support your mental health:

• Your emotions are not a sign of weakness — they are information.

Let them speak. Let them move. Let them be seen.

• Regulating your nervous system matters more than keeping your house spotless.

Your baby needs a regulated mama, not a Pinterest home.

• You deserve support without guilt.

If someone offers help, accept it. If no one offers help, ask.

• You don’t have to “enjoy every moment.”

You’re allowed to love your baby and struggle at the same time.

Postpartum Survival Tips for the First 6 Weeks

1. Batch your expectations, not your tasks.

Have one goal per day.
Everything else is a bonus.

2. Keep nourishing snacks within reach.

Nursing and newborn care are calorie burners.

3. Sleep whenever you can — not just when baby sleeps.

Sometimes this means skipping dishes. Let it be skipped.

4. Stay connected.

Isolation is one of the hardest postpartum triggers.

5. Move your body gently.

Walks. Stretching. Breathwork.
Slow is still progress.

If You’re in the Thick of It… You’re Not Alone

Postpartum is raw. It’s beautiful and messy and overwhelming and magical in its own complicated way. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth like me, this phase deserves softness — not pressure.

You’re doing better than you think, mama.
And you deserve all the support in the world.

Baby #4 Must-Haves: Less Is More (From a Mom Who’s Been There)

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

By Brittany, Therapist-Mama of Four

When I was pregnant with my first, I thought I needed everything.
The wipe warmer, the diaper pail with the name-brand bags, 12 different swaddles in 12 different patterns. I packed drawers, panicked over registries, and got sucked into the “what ifs” of baby prep.

Now, preparing for baby number four, I’ve realized the truth: babies don’t need much—just a calm mama, a safe place to sleep, and the basics.
So if you’re pregnant, especially not for the first time, and wondering what do I actually need?, this list is for you. It’s minimal, practical, and mom-tested in the trenches.

🍼 1. Somewhere Safe to Sleep

I don’t need a fancy crib this time around. For those first few months, a simple bassinet, pack and play, or co-sleeper does the trick. All my kids safely co-slept with me for the first year (baby #3 is still in my bed).
Pro tip: Make sure it’s easy to move room to room (bonus points if it folds for storage during the day).

🤱 2. Nursing + Feeding Support (But Not the Whole Store)

  • Nipple cream
  • A few burp cloths
  • A good water bottle for YOU
    If you’re nursing, I recommend a couple comfy bras or tanks. You don’t need a drawer full—you’ll be rotating the same two anyway.
    If you’re bottle-feeding, have just enough bottles to get you through a day and a good drying rack.

👶 3. A Small Collection of Clothes

Here’s the truth: newborns don’t care if they wear the same 5 footies on repeat.
I keep:

🧼 4. Diapering Essentials (Simplified)

  • A small caddy I can move around the house
  • Diapers + wipes (I usually stock 1 box to start)
  • Aquaphor or a favorite diaper cream
    I don’t use a changing table anymore—just a foldable mat or towel wherever I land.

🧘‍♀️ 5. Baby Carrier or Wrap

This is one of the few “must-haves” I swear by. It frees up your hands while keeping baby close (especially with other littles in the house).
Favorites: Momcozy for newborn days, Ergobaby as they get heavier.

🛁 6. Bathtime Basics

You don’t need a full-blown infant tub with bells and whistles.
A sink, a small insert, or even a folded towel in the bathtub works great. Add:

💡 7. A Few Extras That Actually Help

🧺 What I’m Not Bothering With This Time

  • Bottle warmer
  • Wipe warmer
  • Fancy outfits
  • Baby shoes (why??)
  • Dozens of pacifiers (one brand, one style = less stress)

💛 Final Thoughts from a Mom of (Almost) 4

You don’t need everything to feel prepared—you just need the right things for YOU and your baby. This time around, I’m focusing less on stuff and more on setting up rhythms, rest, and realistic expectations. There are definitely a few extra items I’ve found incredibly helpful over the years—not quite essentials, but major sanity savers. I’ll be sharing those in a separate post soon!

Less prep. More peace. That’s the vibe.

Preparing for Baby #4: What’s Different This Time Around

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

When I was pregnant with my first, I downloaded every app, read every milestone update like it was gospel, and walked the baby aisles with wide-eyed awe (and slight panic). I packed a hospital bag with neatly folded swaddles, labeled Ziplocs, and three different types of nipple cream—just in case.

Now? I’m weeks away from meeting baby number four and I have…
nothing ready.
Not one drawer of baby clothes folded.
No nursery setup.
No checklist.
And I’m surprisingly okay with it.

Less Stuff, More Sanity

I’ve learned that babies don’t actually need that much. They need a safe place to sleep, something soft to wear, a boob or bottle, and arms that hold them—preferably ones that are okay with being covered in spit-up. Everything else? Extra.

With each baby, my “essentials” list has gotten shorter and my confidence in tuning out the noise has gotten stronger. There’s a calm that comes from knowing what truly matters, and it’s not the coordinated crib sheets or the bouncer with Bluetooth.

No Hospital Bag, No Problem

One major difference this time around?
I get to skip the dreaded hospital bag packing entirely—because this will be my third home birth.
No plastic mattress pads. No trying to nap while someone checks my blood pressure at 2am. No awkwardly lugging a newborn out in a wheelchair while a nurse asks if I remembered the car seat.

Instead, I’ll be home. Surrounded by my own things, my own smells, my own people. And hopefully, some semi-clean towels. That’s not to say home birth is always serene (it’s not—it’s raw and wild and intense). But for me, it feels grounding. And I’ll take that over fluorescent lights and hospital food any day.

The Nesting Looks Different

This time, nesting doesn’t look like folding tiny socks—it looks like deep cleaning the baseboards (why??) and making sure my other three kids are emotionally prepped for what’s coming.
It’s walking through the house wondering where the birth pool will go.
It’s restocking the snack drawer so my toddlers don’t riot while I’m in labor.
It’s letting go of the “picture perfect” prep and leaning into what feels practical and peaceful.

Emotionally Preparing Looks Different Too

The biggest shift isn’t physical—it’s emotional.
With baby #1, I was preparing to become a mom.
With baby #4, I’m preparing to stretch the version of mom I already am. To hold space for another little person without losing myself in the swirl of diapers and night feeds.
This time, I know how quickly it all passes. How fleeting the newborn days are, even when they feel endless.
And how much more grace I owe myself this round.

What I Do Have Ready (Mentally, at Least)

  • A partner who knows the drill and can make a mean postpartum smoothie
  • A birth team I trust with my life (and my placenta)
  • A whole lot of love waiting for this baby, even if their onesies are still in storage

I may not have a Pinterest-perfect setup. But I have experience, instincts, and the kind of peace that only comes from knowing this isn’t my first rodeo—it’s just my next great adventure.

And I’ll be ready for it… even if I’m still Googling “how to swaddle” at 2am.

The Ultimate Beach Day Must-Haves for Families (From a Mom of 3 Who’s Learned the Hard Way)

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Let me paint a picture for you: snacks flying, sand in places it shouldn’t be, and someone (usually hubby) dragging a wagon like it’s an Olympic event. Ah, the beach with kids—equal parts magical and exhausting.

After moving to sunny Southwest Florida and wrangling three kids at the beach more times than I can count, I’ve finally nailed down our go-to beach essentials that make the chaos a little calmer and a lot more fun.

So here it is, mama: your family-friendly beach survival kit—no fluff, just stuff that actually helps.

1. A Beach Wagon That Can Handle the Sand
Forget the cute fold-up ones from the grocery store. You need one with big, chunky wheels. Bonus points if it has cup holders and a place to stash your iced coffee.

WAGON

2. XL Sand-Free Beach Blanket
Because someone’s always crying about sand (usually not the baby). These oversized, quick-dry blankets make setup simple—and cleanup even easier.

BEACH BLANKET

3. Shade Tent
Florida sun does not play. A quick-set tent gives the littles a place to nap, snack, or escape the heat.

TENT

4. Mesh Bags for Toys + Wet Stuff
I used to toss sandy toys in a tote and instantly regret it. Now we use mesh bags that let the sand fall out before we hit the car. Game changer.

MESH BAGS

5. Snack Containers + an Insulated Cooler Bag
Beach hunger hits hard. Keep fruit, cheese sticks, and juice boxes cool and sand-free. Pro tip: bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. Like, double.

SNACK BOXES

COOLER

6. Sand Remover Sponge (Yes, It Really Works)
Move over baby powder—this little sponge is the new MVP. Just a few swipes and sand brushes right off skin without the mess or chemicals. Great for tiny feet, sandy butts, and even your own ankles before hopping in the car.

SAND REMOVER

7. Oversized Beach Tote That Holds Everything
Because let’s be honest—you’ll end up carrying everyone’s stuff anyway. Look for one that’s waterproof, sand-resistant, and has lots of pockets. Bonus points if it stands up on its own and doesn’t collapse into a black hole of Goldfish crumbs.

TOTE

8. Roll-On Sponge Sunscreen (No More Greasy Hands)
This is hands-down (pun intended) the easiest way to get sunscreen on squirmy kids. No mess, no whining about cold sprays—just roll and go. The built-in sponge makes application quick and even, especially on little faces and wiggly limbs.

SUNSCREEN

9. Portable Fan (USB-Chargeable)
Yes, this sounds extra—but when you’re breastfeeding or trying to soothe a hot toddler, this little fan is your BFF.

FAN

10. Swim Diapers (Because You Will Get in the Water)
If you’ve got a baby or toddler, these are non-negotiable. Regular diapers swell up like balloons in water, but swim diapers keep the mess contained without soaking up the ocean. Grab a few reusable ones to save money—or stash extras if you’re going disposable.

SWIM DIAPERS

You can have a fun, (mostly) stress-free beach day with kids—it just takes a little prep and the right gear. And if all else fails, remember: you’re making core memories…even if half of them involve chasing a toddler into the ocean.

Got a favorite beach item that saves your sanity? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking to upgrade our chaos kit.

From Sippy Cups to Side Hustles: How This Busy Mom Started Creating Content (and What You Actually Need to Begin)

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Hi, I’m a mom of three, pregnant with #4, a therapist, and most recently—a content creator.

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be talking to my phone while making lunch with a toddler on my hip, I probably would’ve laughed. But here we are.

Between therapy sessions, diaper changes, school drop-offs, and everything else that comes with this season of motherhood, I somehow found a little corner of the internet where I could show up—not as “just mom,” not as “therapist,” but as both… and more. Creating content has become a creative outlet, a way to connect, and—let’s be real—a potential side hustle that lets me dream beyond the chaos.

So if you’ve been wondering how to get started in content creation while living in the trenches of motherhood, here’s my honest take (plus the tools I actually use and love).

Why I Started Creating Content

I didn’t wake up one day with a 10-step plan or a brand strategy. I just felt this nudge. A desire to share the messy, beautiful, overwhelming truth of motherhood. To talk about mental health in a way that felt real and relatable. And to connect with other moms who feel like they’re drowning in endless snack requests and expectations.

TikTok quickly became my favorite space—it’s quick, it’s casual, and it thrives on authenticity. I didn’t need perfect lighting or a polished look. I just needed a story to tell.

What Held Me Back (and Why I Started Anyway)

Let me be super honest: I almost didn’t start.

I felt silly.
I felt too old.
I felt like there were already a million other moms doing it better.

But here’s what I’ve learned (and what I tell my therapy clients too): You don’t need to be the best to begin. You just need to be you. People connect with you—not a curated version of someone else.

And I started scrappy. Filming during nap time. Editing between meltdowns. Showing up when I felt like it and letting it be imperfect. That’s the magic.

My Must-Have Tools for Mom Content Creators

You do not need a full-blown studio setup to start creating content. But a few affordable tools have made a big difference in my workflow (and confidence):

🧡 Clip-on Ring Light – Gives just enough glow to help you feel human at 8 p.m. after the kids are down.

Linked here

🎤 Mini Microphone – Plugs right into your phone and instantly levels up your sound, even when your toddler is screaming in the background.

Linked here

📱 Tripod with Remote – Lets you film hands-free, whether you’re folding laundry or recording a sit-down chat.

Linked here

🚗 Car Phone Mount – For safe and easy car chats (because yes, sometimes the car is the only quiet place we get).

Linked here

🧠 Bonus: A Simple Editing App – I like CapCut for quick edits on the go. Easy to learn and mom-brain friendly.