Advice She Actually Wants: Messages for the Pregnant New Mom from Loved Ones - Melissa Pennel

Everyone wants to give a pregnant woman advice.

But whose words of wisdom does she actually want? Those of her own community.

Enter "The Advice She Actually Wants" journal: a place for friends of the new mom to create a written circle of support that can be opened whenever the new mom most needs it.

Perfect for baby showers, mother's blessing ceremonies, or as a gift from a new mom's friends, the journal includes the following sections:

Shower Notes to Mama & Baby

Space for guests to write short notes of encouragement, make predictions about baby, and offer specific ways that they can be of support to the new mom

Advice from Other Moms

Prompts to elicit advice, reassurance, and reflections that both normalize the struggles of motherhood and also illuminate the gifts (This section can be filled in privately by each advice-giver, serve as the inspiration for 1:1 conversations, or act as topics within a women's circle or mother's blessing ceremony.)

Notes By the New Mom

A place for the new mama to reflect, set intentions for motherhood, and anchor herself during this sacred transition

Gift Log

Space to track the gifts given at her shower



Mama's Affirmations for Pregnancy & Birth

30 carefully chosen affirmations that will build confidence, groundedness, and strength during this vulnerable time

Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health Resources

Together, these sections form a warm respite from the anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelm that becoming another can cause. Because yes, becoming a mother is a lot to take on - but with a community surrounding her, supporting her, and reminding her how to access her own inner resources, this new mama will be totally up to the challenge.