Motherhood is filled with equal parts excitement and learning. However, one thing no one tells you is how challenging the postpartum journey will be.

While there are endless adorable baby videos, there aren’t many lavish discussions on navigating the flood of emotions and routines that come with the role. Still, thanks to social media, moms everywhere can access community in a way that won’t leave them feeling isolated.

That’s why a mother of six took to Instagram to share helpful tips for postpartum moms.

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Even if you’re breastfeeding, have a plan b tucked in your cupboard

Breastfeeding is often seen as a rite of passage for many women as a time to bond with the baby. Many grow up hearing “breast is best,” but what happens when you’re in a tough spot and not producing enough milk? Sharon Johnson says to have a can of formula just in case.

“There is nothing worse than it being 3 a.m. You’re crying. You baby’s crying. Your husband’s crying, and then he’s driving around for three hours trying to find a place that’s opened [for] formula,” she suggests in her video.

Opt for options that have low percentages of heavy metals and offer the best nutritional value for your baby. Remember, you’re not a bad mom for not breastfeeding.

Minimize the mental load of having to do household chores

In the early months, there’s a lot of baby laundry and cleaning to be done.

Whether it’s the bottles that need sterilizing or the clothes that need to be washed and folded — a lot is going on. However, opting for a temporary solution to minimize the mess can be a viable option that saves tons of time. Johnson suggests investing in paper “everything.”

“Paper plates. Paper bowls. Everything paper,” she asserts. 

Be realistic about your expectations for everything postpartum

Moms always have the best intentions about how they hope to care for everyone, but sometimes, it’s okay to err on the more practical side of things during the postpartum experience. 

She adds, “Lower your expectations for you, for your baby, for your partner, for your life. We’re focused on survival right now — everything else can wait.”

Bring others into the postpartum experience for moments when you need an outsider’s help

Johnson’s fourth tip proactively tackles postpartum depression.

“You are going to print out a list of all the symptoms of postpartum depression. Keep them on a wall somewhere. And you’re going to give the list to your partner, to your best friend, to your mom, and ask them to watch out and to bring it up if they see that it’s an issue,” she recommended.

Her fifth tip details how moms should make a list of people who can provide immediate help. “You think that you will remember, but you won’t. You are so tired. Just put the list on your cupboard,” the mom of six asserts. 

You’ll be short on time, and that’s okay

Her final tip references how postpartum moms will be short on time during those first few months. “Everybody says to make sure to shower every day. No, screw that — just buy dry shampoo,” she concludes.

Remember, it takes a village! Ask for help when necessary and there’s no cookie-cutter way to be a MamaMuze.