Pregnancy is an exciting, life-changing journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. When it’s all getting to be a bit much and you’re feeling overwhelmed, try turning to pregnancy affirmations for help.

As we begin our journey into motherhood, even before conception, there is SO little control we have and this can feel frightening, uneasy and can even lead us to harming ourselves or those who love us.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time of transformation. At the same time, it can also feel difficult to cope with the physical changes that occur. When you strive for your body to look a certain way, it can feel challenging to shift your mindset from one viewpoint to another.

Alturi reminds mothers to give themselves grace when asking for help and remember why it’s important to ask for help: to ensure their own well-being, as well as the well-being of their families.

For almost a year, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing people’s surprised expressions when I share that I’m a mom to seven kids, including three sets of twins. I’m enjoying these moments because it took me and my husband 17 tumultuous years of navigating infertility via international adoption, IVF, pregnancy loss and surrogacy to create our family.

Trying to conceive and parenting can become all-encompassing. It can cut you off from the most important things, including your relationship with yourself. It's healthy to pause — whether for a minute or a day — to remember who you are.

Here are some suggestions for what to include in your postpartum care plan/proposal so you can feel fully supported during this momentous transition.