# @matttolbert on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMiUL6dOEev
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32704878-matttolbert-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/5570c46620.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-25T15:42:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Matt Tolbert (@TolbertTweet) — https://gondola.cc/TolbertTweet

## Caption

The pressure is immense. Let’s release some of it together. 👇

1. Stop chasing the “perfect” nursery. Your baby does not care if the wallpaper is hand-stamped or if the mobile matches the rug. They care if they are safe, warm, and loved. 

2. Stop feeling guilty about your feelings. You’re allowed to be terrified and excited at the same time. You’re allowed to grieve your old life or what you thought your pregnancy would be like while celebrating your new one. Your feelings don’t have to make sense or be justified.

3. Stop comparing your journey. Someone else’s easy pregnancy, their finances, their “perfect” plan - none of it has anything to do with you. Your path is your own. 

4. Stop pretending you have it all together. Your support system can’t support you if you don’t let them see the cracks. Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness.

5. Stop thinking you need to read every book. You do not need to be an expert on every sleep training method before the baby arrives. You will learn on the job. 

6. Stop saying “yes” to everything. You do not have to go to every event, answer every call, or host every family member who wants to visit (or wants you to visit). “No” is a full sentence, and it’s a form of self-care.

7. Stop believing it has to be “magical.” Parts of this journey are hard, boring, and even heartbreaking. It’s not all a glowing miracle. Allowing for the messy reality makes the truly magical moments feel even sweeter.

Send this to someone who needs permission to let go. ❤️ 

#parenting #expectingparents #mentalhealth #babyontheway #nesting #selfcare #surrogacyjourney #twodads

## Stats

- **Views:** 57,806
- **Likes:** 1,013
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 20

## Tags

parenting, twodads, surrogacyjourney, selfcare, nesting, mentalhealth, babyontheway, expectingparents

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