I had my first baby in February 2021. She came a bit earlier than expected, so, naturally, the first few people I called from the hospital bed were my editors. I remember asking for a month or two and luckily all my editors were extremely understanding. In hindsight, I was naive to think that I’d snap back to being the awesome freelancer who gets bylines left, right and center all the time and is capable of churning thousands of words every week (trust me, I was) in just two months! It has been two years and I am still finding myself struggling to write emails, forget articles and essays and whitepapers.

It is safe to say that as a new mom, I’ve experienced the worst writer’s block I’ve ever encountered. It’s not easy to balance taking care of a newborn while trying to write something coherent and meaningful. The sleepless nights and constant demands of a baby can take a toll on one’s creativity and productivity. 

However, with time and patience, I found ways to overcome writer’s block and achieve my writing goals and would love to share some helpful tips based on my experiences for anyone struggling to juggle just like me.

It Can Be Overwhelming and That’s Ok

When I first started experiencing writer’s block, I was initially overwhelmed by the situation. I had been writing professionally my entire career, but I never had to do it while also caring for a newborn. My daily routine consisted of feeding, changing diapers, and putting my baby to sleep. Whenever I tried to write, my mind would go blank, and I couldn’t put my thoughts into words.

The first tip I have for new moms struggling with writer’s block is to be patient with themselves. It’s easy to feel frustrated and angry when we can’t produce the work we’re used to, but it’s essential to remember that having a baby is a significant life change. We need to give ourselves time to adjust and find new routines that work for us. 

I have understood that I will never snap back. I am a new person now and I need to respect that. I can still write but maybe I need to set more realistic expectations and practical timelines, and that will be my second tip-set realistic goals. 

When we’re in the midst of writer’s block, it’s easy to feel like we’ll never write again. But setting achievable goals, such as writing a few hundred words a day, can help us feel more productive and motivated. 

External Support and A Simple System May Help

As moms, we often feel like we have to do everything ourselves, but it’s essential to remember that we don’t have to. We can reach out to family members, friends, and editors for help and support. Among the most significant supporters for me are all my editors, especially Kristen at Lifestyle Collective. She has been extremely, unimaginably understanding of my situation and incredibly patient with me. She gave me deadlines that were reasonable and understood when I had to reschedule. Having a supportive editor who is willing to work with you can make all the difference when dealing with writer’s block.

My family is also a great support system for me. They are always willing to help with the baby, now quickly turning into a toddler, so that I can have some time to write. Having that extra support allows me to relax and focus on my writing. Another tip I’d like to share is to find time to write when the baby is sleeping. This may be challenging at first, but with time, you’ll get used to writing in short bursts. One trick that’s been working quite well for me is breaking up my writing into smaller, manageable chunks. I write for 15-20 minutes, take a break to check on the baby, and then come back to my writing.

Another hack that’s worked for me is to write during my baby’s naptime. This gives me a longer chunk of time to work on my writing without interruption. I make sure to have everything I need before putting the baby down for a nap so that I can focus entirely on my writing.

Last, but not the least, I have found that taking breaks when you need them is crucial. Writing can be mentally exhausting, and it’s essential to take care of yourself. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed, I take a break, go for a walk, or do something that makes me happy. Taking care of yourself will help you recharge and come back to your writing with fresh ideas.

Take The Time You Need and You’ll Slowly Get There

Writer’s block can be challenging, especially for new moms. But with patience, support, and determination, it’s possible to overcome it. It’s essential to set realistic goals, find a support system, and take breaks when you need them. 

Remember that having a baby is a significant life change, and it’s okay to take time to adjust. And most importantly, don’t give up on your writing goals. Communicate with your editors, keep them posted on your status and collaborate with them to find the right deadlines that work for both parties. With time, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you, and get back on track one byline at a time. 

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