Thriving While Barely Surviving: A Postpartum Reflection for Mother’s Day

Plus a Picture Book List for the Postpartum Mom

I’ve officially made it past the first three months of the newborn stage, and while I could gush endlessly about our sweet baby girl—her coos, her gurgles, her almost roll-overs—today’s post is about Mama. After all, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s only right to take a moment to honor the journey of motherhood in all its messy, miraculous beauty.

Let’s start with a little update: our newest little one has made this transition to two kids as smooth as I could have hoped. She latched immediately after birth and nursing has been easy from the start. She even sleeps for long stretches—sometimes up to six hours—before waking to nurse and settling right back to sleep (thank you, co-sleeping!). So in many ways, she’s been a dream.

But here’s the real talk: navigating life with a newborn and a toddler feels like a constant balancing act. Most days it’s me with one kid, or the other—or both in my arms. I’ve recently been able to go out for solo swims while Husband watches them both, but for the most part, I’m in full-on survival mode. I’ve learned to focus on just one task at a time, because trying to do it all leads straight to overwhelm.

I keep reminding myself: the to-do list will always be there, but these tiny, fleeting moments with my little loves won’t be.

Physically, I’m still adjusting. Postpartum body image is a journey I didn’t expect to be so difficult this time around. I get in the occasional swim, but consistent, joyful movement has been hard to come by. I’m working on giving myself grace and accepting this version of myself—the one who grew, birthed, and nourishes two little humans. That’s no small thing.

Work-life balance? Let’s just say the bare minimum is getting done—and that’s okay. Some days feel impossible, while others fill me with pride that I’m keeping things afloat and soaking up time with the kids.

And then there’s marriage. Finding alone time with Husband is tough, and most nights we’re tag-teaming bedtime or catching up on work. But every now and then, we get a quiet dinner or a few precious moments to connect—and I treasure those deeply. I know our time will come again.

So here I am: thriving while barely surviving. Life feels like a mix of I’ve totally got this and SOS, send snacks and sleep. And when things feel especially heavy, I turn to picture books—my trusted companions for reflection, grounding, and joy.

Below, I’ve curated a short list of picture books that have resonated deeply with me during this postpartum season. Whether you’re a fellow mom, a teacher supporting young families, or someone who simply loves a heartfelt story, I hope these books bring you comfort, validation, and maybe a little laugh or cry (or both).

Picture Books for the Postpartum Mom

Find this full book list on Amazon / Bookshop, or click on individual titles below.

Mama’s Panza by Isabel Quintero | A heartwarming picture book about a young boy’s deep love for his mother’s belly—his first home and his favorite place of comfort. Through gentle storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates the beauty, strength, and tenderness of Mama’s body while promoting self-love, body positivity, and the special bond between mother and child.

My Mum’s a Tiger by Kate Claxton | This empowering picture book tells the story of a young girl who learns to embrace body positivity and individuality when she discovers the meaning behind the "stripes" on her mother’s skin—stretch marks from pregnancy and childbirth. Through this loving explanation, the girl gains a deeper appreciation for her mother's body and the beauty in all our unique marks and features.

Mommy Love by Susan Verde | A gentle, mindfulness-based picture book that supports new mothers through the emotional ups and downs of early motherhood. As mother and baby read together, the book guides moms in using their senses to bond, stay present, and find calm in the chaos. With affirming words, breathing exercises, and gratitude practices, it offers encouragement, connection, and reassurance that they’re doing their best in this beautiful new chapter.

Mama: A World of Mothers and Motherhood by Helene Delforge | A beautifully illustrated collection that captures the universal emotions and experiences of motherhood across cultures and time. Featuring 21 expressive watercolor portraits paired with poetic reflections, the book celebrates the deep love, challenges, and joys that connect mothers around the world. It's a heartfelt tribute to motherhood in all its complexity.

Mama Hug by Emma Straub | This sweet and playful picture book follows a loving Mama and her baby through a joyful day filled with fun, snuggles, and affection. With harming rhymes and darling illustrations, it’s a heartwarming reminder that your child cherishes and adores even the smallest moments you spend together.

Plus, a mini curation of my favorite Postpartum/Motherhood items:

• WeareAmma Coccoon Nursing Cover: breathable for Baby and super stylish for me! (Discount code: STORYBOOK15)

• Mirage Jumpsuit: My favorite jumpsuit for nursing

• Hippie Joey - Favorite Newborn and Baby carrier (Discount Code: MAISTORYBOOK10)

• Zoe Double Twin Stroller for two kiddos (use this link for $15 off a stroller)

• Toki Vegan Leather Playmat : Best play mat for all the tummy time and floor playtime with newborns and toddlers (use this link for 15% off)

• Favorite Swim Suits with Sun Protection: I’ve been using these for my return to the pool for mama-self-care- and I also got family matching swimsuits for Husband and the littles (Code: Maya10 for 10% off)

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What We’re Reading this Week

A mini update of what’s being read in our household (and to keep us accountable to reading for fun!)

Me: So Over Sharing by Elissa Brent Weissman (Fiction middle grade about the children of Momfluencers)

Husband: Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money by Dave Ramsey (Back to nonfiction)

Toddler: Campfire Songs: Interactive Sound Book from Cottage Door Press

Newborn: Sumo Colors by Sanae Ishida (Bilingual Japanese-English board book)

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In case you missed it…

Here are the links to the books and curated book collections I shared this past week on IG:

• Saturday 5/03: Break the Stigma and raise awareness for Mental Health and Neurodiversity with these picture books

• Sunday 5/04: Picture Books featuring Diverse and Inclusive Mother Figures (Amazon | Bookshop)

• Monday 5/05: Support federal funding for PBS / PBS Kids ( Amazon | Bookshop |

• Tuesday 5/06: Picture Books to Thank a Teacher - National Teacher Day (Amazon | Bookshop )

• Wednesday 5/07: Read this picture book the next time your child feels Lonely and Sad (Amazon | Bookshop)

• Thursday 5/08: Picture books featuring Asian Representation (Amazon | Bookshop)

• Friday 5/09: *Double Post Day*:

  • Watch this New Interactive Read Aloud Video to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month

  • Nonfiction Picture Books for the next time your child has a Thousand Questions about… (Amazon / Bookshop)

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See you next week, Mai Friends!

Happy Reading,

Maya