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Self-Care, Confidence, and Community: 4 Pieces of Advice Every Mom Needs to Hear

Motherhood is a beautifully unpredictable journey, and any advice we can glean from mothers is helpful. With Mother's Day coming up, we've been thinking about the golden advice all moms and moms-to-be should know. So we tapped Katie Hintz-Zambrano, the founder and editor of Mother magazine. She's been writing about motherhood for over a decade and has a wealth of knowledge about balancing it all and finding time to take care of herself. With that, we welcome you to Dear Good Girl, a tribute to the advice columns from early 2000s magazines. Keep reading for Hintz-Zambrano's tips for boosting your confidence postpartum, finding your community, and how Carolina Herrera can help moms achieve the perfect self-care moment.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Elixir Mother's Day

(Image credit: @katiehintzzambrano , @ekulmer)

Dear Good Girl,

I'm a few months postpartum and in need of a confidence boost. What can I do to feel like myself again? — Postpartum Predicament

Dear Postpartum Predicament,

Firstly, give yourself grace. So much shifts in one's life postpartum—your body, your sense of identity, your creativity, and your career. Having a community is one of the bedrocks to feeling like yourself postpartum and gaining back your confidence. Surrounding yourself with a community makes you realize that you're not the only one facing these challenges and allows you to navigate them side by side with other women. You'll also have social occasions to look forward to (with or without kids) that you can dress up for a little bit. Self-care is also key to feeling like yourself and boosting your confidence.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Elixir Mother's Day

(Image credit: Carolina Herrera)

Dear Good Girl,

As a new mom, I feel like I have no time for myself. What are some self-care practices that are easy to integrate into a busy schedule? — Overbooked Mom

Dear Overbooked Mom,

You're not alone in that feeling! Here are some of my favorite self-care practices, from five-minute rituals to hour-long ideas:

Journaling: I like the Morning Pages practice from The Artist's Way, as well as the 5-Minute Journal.

Nature walks: During the week, I'll listen to an inspiring podcast or audiobook and take a long walk in nature to clear my mind. You can also do this while strolling a baby or walking with them in a carrier.

Reading: I love reading print magazines and books. It feels really centering to me.

Reinvigorate your inspiration: Carving out time to pursue your passions, meeting up with friends, seeing an art exhibit, or visiting a new place are all great ways to get inspired.

Rest: It's so important to take time to think, rest, and reflect on your new chapter. Take naps when needed, know when to unplug from work (and plug into family time), and make sure you're prioritizing sleep at night. Additionally, having childcare support so you can enjoy some solo time helps so much.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Elixir Mother's Day

(Image credit: Carolina Herrera)

Dear Good Girl,

What's a simple thing I can do to take care of myself and boost my mood every day? Dopamine Deficient

Dear Dopamine Deficient,

Since having a child—and starting two businesses—I've streamlined my routine and the number of products I use, but fragrance is always something I reach for. Spritzing on a fragrance is such a simple act of self-care you can do in a matter of seconds. I've always loved fruity and sweet scents, and the new Very Good Girl Elixir ($175) fragrance fits the bill perfectly. The notes of black cherry, vanilla, and cocoa are all right up my alley. It's the perfect moment of self-care for busy moms.

Dear Good Girl,

What's the single best piece of advice you've received about motherhood?Mom-to-Be Seeking Advice

Dear Mom-to-Be Seeking Advice,

I can't remember if someone said this or if I read it, but in essence, the only thing consistent about kids is change. So if you can realize whatever difficulty you're dealing with as a new mom will eventually pass, it helps keep it in perspective. The newborn days and months can be really brutal—but soon enough, your child will grow and you'll have a whole other set of challenges (and joys!) to deal with. I think it's important to try to enjoy the stage of childhood and parenthood that's right in front of you because it's fleeting.

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Emma Walsh
Beauty Editor, Branded Content

Emma is a beauty editor on the branded content team. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns digital brand PureWow. She lives in New York City, where you can usually find her running to a Pilates class or sipping on a green juice in the park.