By Katie Coleman, Founder & CEO of Baby Brilliance
It’s 3:00 AM. The rest of the world is sleeping, but here you are—awake, holding your baby, listening to every little noise, every breath, every whimper. Maybe you’re rocking back and forth in the dark, praying they’ll settle. Maybe you’re crying too. Maybe you’re googling something for the tenth time today. Maybe you’re just so tired.
I’ve been there. More than once.
I know the ache in your shoulders, the sting of raw emotions that sneak in when the rest of the house is quiet. I know the mental tug-of-war between overwhelming love and overwhelming exhaustion. If I could sit beside you right now, barefoot in your kitchen or curled up on your couch, this is what I would tell you:
1. You’re doing better than you think.
I know you’re questioning everything. I remember wondering if I was doing anything right at all. Maybe you chose to breastfeed and now you’re wondering why it’s so hard—why the latch won’t click, why it hurts so much, why something so “natural” feels so impossibly frustrating. I’ve sat there with cracked nipples, silent tears, and a baby who just wouldn’t latch. And I’ve felt the guilt and confusion of not knowing what to try next.
Please hear me: You are not failing.
You are learning. You are loving. You are doing the hard and holy work of showing up in the dark when no one else sees. That is something sacred. You are your baby’s safe place, even when you feel uncertain or undone. You’re doing better than you think—and you’re not alone.
2. It’s okay to feel everything, all at once.
Becoming a mother doesn’t come with a switch—it comes with a storm of emotion. You can be completely in love with your baby and still grieve the loss of your independence. You can feel joy and sadness in the same breath. You’re allowed to cry. You’re allowed to feel lost. There is no emotion off-limits in this space. You’re human—and you’re becoming something new.
3. This is just a chapter, not the whole story.
These nights feel eternal, don’t they? Like this fog will never lift. But I promise you, one day you’ll look back and it won’t feel so heavy. One day, you’ll find your rhythm. One day, you’ll notice that things are lighter—not perfect, but more familiar. And you’ll realize you kept going, even when it felt like you couldn’t. That’s strength. That’s grace. That’s motherhood.
4. Ask for help—and let it in.
You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You weren’t meant to do this alone. I used to think asking for help meant I wasn’t strong enough—but the truth is, letting people in made me stronger. Whether it’s a family member, a postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist, or a friend who will just hold the baby while you shower—receive the help. Let people love you, too.
5. You are still in there.
Motherhood changes so much, but it doesn’t erase you. Your passions, your voice, your gifts—they’re still there, even if they feel buried under diapers and swaddles right now. This version of you is still you, just expanded. Softer in some ways. Fiercer in others. Don’t forget her. She’s doing something incredible.
6. Grace over guilt, every time.
You will mess up. You will forget things. You will snap or cry or second-guess yourself. Please offer yourself the same grace you’d give a dear friend. Guilt doesn’t belong here. Love does. Growth does. Healing does. You’re becoming the mother your baby needs one day at a time.
So if you’re reading this at 3 AM, with a baby in your arms and a mind full of questions—know this:
You are not alone. You are deeply loved. This season is heavy, but it’s also meaningful. And if you’re quietly battling feelings of sadness, anxiety, or postpartum depression—I see you. I’ve been there too, and I know how isolating it can feel when everyone expects you to be glowing, but inside you’re just trying to make it to the next hour.
You don’t have to do this by yourself. I’m here. Truly—I’m here. And I would be honored to walk beside you, support you, and help you find your way through.
With all my heart,
Katie
P.S. If you ever need support beyond these quiet hours—Baby Brilliance is here for you. We offer compassionate overnight care, sleep support, and postpartum help from trained professionals who understand what this season really feels like.
