Before social media and Dr Google, new parents were surrounded by real people who helped — and there's truly no substitute for that. Struggling to ask for help is one of the most common (and damaging) things new mums do to themselves. Here are five clear signs it's time to call in your village, and why it's always, always okay to do so.

Nobody tells you the whole truth about those first few weeks with a newborn — the beautiful bits, yes, but also the bone-deep exhaustion and the sneaky moments of doubt. An honest, gentle guide to surviving new motherhood, full of practical wisdom and the reassurance that you really are doing an amazing job — even on the very hardest days.

Identity loss after having a baby is one of the most common — and least talked about — experiences in new motherhood. But what if, instead of mourning your old self, you could learn to love the extraordinary new version of you that motherhood has created? One mum's honest reflection on 14 months of searching, and finally, finding herself.

The day maternity leave ends is one of the most emotionally complicated days of a new mum's life — and the guilt that follows can feel overwhelming. But what if returning to work was actually one of the best things you could do for both of you? One mum's raw, honest account of going back, and the mindset shift that made all the difference.

Everyone says the year you have a baby is the best year of your life — but is "best" really the right word for it? An honest, heartfelt reflection on the first year of motherhood: the sleepless nights, the identity shifts, the moments of pure joy, and why some experiences don't need a superlative. They just need to be lived.