While 2019 brought a new baby girl into my life and took my family of four to five, the thing I keep reflecting on the most is how much I felt the stigma around maternal mental health dissipate throughout the year.

As someone who has had three very different pregnancies, births and babies, I don’t think I could have coped nor thrived without the network of parents I’ve made on and offline through The Tot. Each experience required different things from my mind, body and soul and the range of advice and wisdom gifted to me lifted me up when I was down, kept me going in moments of vulnerability and inspired me to share what I’ve learned with others.

Never have I been more grateful than to be part of a community that emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindfulness and authenticity. This year, I honored the Fourth Trimester after having my daughter and learned that it’s okay not to ‘bounce back’ after a baby. In fact – it’s better to move forward – slowly. I also discovered just how necessary it is to have authentic women in your life. Whether that’s the mom who openly cries after spending 12 hours straight with a teething baby or the mom who acknowledges that her career is every bit as important as her family, or the mom who asks you to watch their baby so they can meet with their therapist, it’s the unfiltered beauty of motherhood that will help us rise together and raise resilient, empathetic and confident kids.

As 2019 comes to a close,  I feel like I truly found my people thanks to The Tot and for that – I’d like to say thank you. I’d also like to say thank you to The Tot Team. The passion, enthusiasm and expertise I witness everyday is why I am so proud to be part of such a supportive and inclusive company. As a mother, wife, friend and entrepreneur, nothing brings me more joy than to channel my love for my family into work that’s dedicated to making parenthood a place for women to find the advice they need and the products they can trust.

May you be blessed with the gifts of authenticity, acceptance, love and support in 2020. From my little squad to yours – Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kawanzaa and of course – a very happy new year!