by Brita Johnson

Valentine’s Day is most often a celebration of love moving outward - to partners, children, family members and friends. And for us as parents, each day is full of actions, decisions, and basic caretaking that are fueled by love - even when we’re running on empty. This February 14th, the Bridgetown Baby team offers you some loving encouragement - to be your own Valentine!

The truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup, and we do better for ourselves and our families when we take care of ourselves. Send some of that Valentine’s Day love inward by making time for the moments that fill you up!

Read on, as our doula team members share some of the things that help them recharge and show up with love for their families and yours:

I love to take 10 mins a day to meditate - and taking myself out to lunch once a week reminds me that I still am my own person. ~Camilla

Spending time with my girlfriends is super important to “filling me up.” We’ve all been friends for over twenty years, and we meet on a regular basis - whether it’s at another’s house, out to dinner, or just hanging with all our kids. They always make my heart feel full!! ~Erica

A hot bath with a woowoo podcast or book replenishes me! ~Merriah

When I find myself feeling depleted, I take myself to a movie—alone. Without fail, I leave the movies thinking, “Wow, this is *exactly* what I needed.” Dates with myself serve as a refresh button for me. ~Kristen

I remember when I was nursing how much of a difference it made to find a comfortable position... after all, it was my primary occupation! ~Rosemary

Cooking a favorite meal without rushing is like a form of therapy. ~Krystle

Stealing an hour away to read some really good fiction gives me an escape - and I come back with perspective on the larger world and my place in it. ~Brita