May is Maternal Mental Health Month , so HuffPost Parenting and Wellness are shining a light on postpartum well-being. From how new moms handle those early days as parents while struggling with their own mental health to how to be there for friends and family, weve created a space for moms and their loved ones to feel seen and heard in those first trying months of parenthood. See the full series here.

The birth of a child is billed as a time of immense joy, love and excitement. But for many moms, the months and sometimes years that follow can also be a period of mental and emotional struggle.

Between the sleepless nights, fluctuating hormones, responsibility of caring for a tiny human and the stress of a major life transition, early motherhood can be difficult and overwhelming.

As many as 50 to 75% of new moms deal with the baby blues post-delivery, which may include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and trouble sleeping symptoms that typically resolve within a couple of weeks . Others may deal with longer-lasting, more severe mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression , postpartum anxiety or postpartum OCD . Even women who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a mood or anxiety disorder can still have a tough time adjusting to motherhood.

We asked moms whove been through the postpartum period what helped them during that time and what they wish they had known in hindsight. Below, they share their best advice:

1. Before giving birth, book a few postpartum therapy sessions.

An average patient will usually see her doctor six to eight times during the third trimester of pregnancy, whereas postpartum or the fourth trimester it is reduced to literally just one visit. I would advise all pregnant women to pre-schedule appointments with a therapist for support in the months after giving birth, as well as to do checkups with their general physician at least once every six weeks for the first few months. Sara Ahmed , writer at Sugar Land Sara

2. Figure out if youre at risk for perinatal mental health issues ahead of time.

I didnt realize that I had everything stacked against me in so many ways. Childhood trauma: check. Sudden death in the family: check. Loss of a job: check. Little to no support during and after pregnancy: check. Knowing the risk factors would have allowed me to build better supports around me. Jamina Bone , illustrator at Momming With Truth

3. You wont love every aspect of motherhood, and thats perfectly normal.

You will have a range of feelings and thoughts about motherhood. You will have a mix of feelings, including excitement, curiosity, regret, doubt and indecision. These are all expected, typical and common for most moms. There is no need to shame yourself for having these emotions.

People will tell you that you should be thankful that youre a mom. But then youre left to assume that you should feel bad if you dont always enjoy this new role. Thats ridiculous! You can feel both exhaustion and gratitude. Both of these experiences can exist. Motherhood isnt always a pleasant experience. Thats OK too. Ann-Louise Lockhart , pediatric psychologist and parent coach at A New Day Pediatric Psychology