The mistakes I made postpartum (and what I'd never do again)

About this episode

<p>After 10 years of motherhood, I’m really glad I did some things in those first few weeks, and plenty I’d do completely differently.</p><p>Nothing can quite prepare you for becoming a mother. Those early weeks can be full of love and joy while also feeling exhausting, overwhelming and completely identity-shifting. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the emotional whiplash of holding all of those feelings at once.</p><p>In this special episode, created in partnership with Tesco Fred &amp; Flo, I’m looking back at my first experience of new motherhood and sharing what I got right, what I learnt the hard way and what I wish I’d known before having a baby.</p><p>We talk about setting boundaries with visitors (including my one rule that I still think was genius!), why new mothers need care rather than being expected to host, and the huge identity shift of matrescence that I knew absolutely nothing about when I had my first daughter.</p><p>I also share how the mental load began creeping into my relationship almost without us noticing, and the practical change my husband, Guy, and I made to create a more equal division of parenting and household responsibilities. Plus, I share the newborn essentials I genuinely found useful, what I spent time and money on that I probably wouldn't again, and some very practical tips for making those sleep-deprived early weeks a little easier.</p><p>Because when you're adjusting to life with a new baby, recovering from birth and trying to work out who you are now, the last thing you need is more pressure.</p><strong>💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong><ul><li><p>What I wish I’d known about new motherhood and matrescence</p></li><li><p>How to set boundaries with visitors after having a baby</p></li><li><p>How to stop the mental load becoming yours by default</p></li><li><p>The newborn essentials I actually used, and what I wouldn't bother with</p></li><li><p>Why asking for and accepting help matters so much postpartum</p></li></ul><p><strong>Watch every full episode on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Zoe-Blaskey"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong> and subscribe.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This episode is created in partnership with <a href="https://www.tesco.com/shop/en-GB/buylists/fred-and-flo/browse-the-range"><strong>Tesco Fred &amp; Flo</strong></a>,<strong> </strong>whose newly refreshed range of everyday baby essentials is designed to make those early days a little easier. You can discover the range in Tesco stores and online, and <strong>Tesco Clubcard members can currently get 4 for 3 across the range.</strong></p><p>Exclusions apply. Clubcard event ends 7th September 2026. Clubcard or app required. Delivery charges may apply.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Connect with Zoe:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Follow Zoe on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zoeblaskey/">Instagram</a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoelevings/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblaskeymotherkind?lang=en">TikTok</a></p></li><li><p>Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motherkind-happiest-fulfilled-empowering-podcast/dp/0008650829/ref=zg_bsnr_g_books_d_sccl_2/260-9943622-5435716?psc=1">'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’</a></p></li></ul>