When I brought my son home from the hospital I had a second (partial third) degree repair done. If you don’t know what this means- you are blessed and you don’t want to know.

I wanted to get to it and take on the full duties of a new mom. But soaking in the tub four times a day, pumping and attempting to breastfeed is HARD.

My husband and I were both exhausted, as all new parents are. Then my mother-in-law gave the best advice ever:

There is no prize for being the most tired. No medal for being a martyr. Accept the help that everyone is offering and take a nap.

I realized that there were people who were dying to help and snuggle the baby. And I needed sleep, and baths, and time to recover. My baby still liked me after I napped.

Accepting the help was a hard thing for me to get used to. But it has made my life so much better. Mom and dad have taken Jack a ton these past few weeks- so we could focus on moving, and he loves it. They love spending time together- and our lives are so much easier.

So what I’m saying is: even if it feels weird and awkward, try accepting the help that is offered. Everyone feels better after a nap.