Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Did you forget? Cause, I sure did!  

What with breastfeeding 5,000 times a day, taking my newborn to the pediatrician and lactation consultant for weight checks, going to baby yoga just to sit and watch other moms stretch while I breastfeed my baby (again!), running to Target to buy more diapers, making Annie’s Mac & Cheese (ehem, organic) for my overworked and overtired husband and falling asleep at 8pm to “Golden Girls” reruns… is it any wonder the date slipped my mind?

Not to mention, the spit-up in my hair and all over EVERYTHING I OWN… it’s not like I’m feeling all that sexy anyway.

Remember Valentine’s Day before you had a kid?

That lingerie hugged every curve of your pre-baby body so perfectly. You could drink champagne without worrying if your baby was gonna get drunk right along with you. Doing your hair didn’t involve crying in a heap on the floor because of the literal clumps falling out of your scalp.

Sigh. Those were the days.

This morning, as I was admiring my postpartum “glow” (aka sweat from not having showered in 4 days) I came up with a few ideas on how to get the oxytocin flowing and pull off an effortlessly delightful celebration of love.

To start, put that baby in the Dock-a-Tot and take a 10 minute shower. YES, 10 minutes. I know the baby might fuss or cry, but you deserve a little luxury in your life. Wash and condition your hair. Heck, go wild and shave your legs. I promise a little pampering will help scrub off the baby blues and get you feeling a little more like yourself. Feeling adventurous? Slather on a face mask about 15 minutes prior to your shower… look at you creating your own in-home spa!

Tomorrow when you’re trapped under your breastfeeding cherub send your partner some texts. Keep them light and sexy… say something meaningful to show your appreciation. If time and budget allows, buy your love an online gift card. 

Next, let’s chat food. I’m not talking food you can shove in your mouth during the 5 minutes your baby isn’t needing to be held. I mean food that will fill every crevice of your soul. Food you can eat with two hands and actually savor instead of inhale. Search DoorDash or UberEats for your favorite meal. Set an alarm for tomorrow evening (approximately 1.5 hours prior to your desired dinner time) to place your order. Wow your partner with your modern mama skills! Bonus points if you can manage to set the table and light some candles, but let’s be real… eating in bed is just as amazing. After dinner, spend a little time cuddling just you and your sweetie. No TV, no distractions, just straight up cuddles. Be flexible... god knows your sweet Valentine baby will get a little jealous and want in on the action. Make it a family affair if you have to.

Schedule your cleaning service to come on the 15th… or better yet, let your partner schedule it. This is a gift to yourself. Turn the laundry and any V-day cleanup over to them and get the heck out of the house! Go for a walk or plan a coffee meetup with some friends. Treat yourself for handling Valentine’s Day like a boss.

Lastly, remember it’s the little things that count. You don’t need to make a 5-course meal or get dolled up. Small gestures can make all the difference. In the end, it’s about the love and connection you share with your partner. Even if none of your Valentines plans turn out as you hope, know that you are enough. You are as amazing in lingerie as you are in sweat pants. This Valentine’s Day may well end with more “Golden Girls” reruns and that is perfectly ok.