I had a somewhat difficult delivery, trouble with breastfeeding, and just a difficult adjustment into motherhood at first (everything sort of settled down a few months later, but that beginning part still gives me anxiety to think about).

The first time I took LO out by myself was to a breastfeeding support group at my hospital when she was 8 days old. I remember feeling so incredibly happy that I was able to get out and go somewhere with her which meant we'd find our new normal soon enough and I felt like life would relax a little eventually. I felt like I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Until that point I was so traumatized about everything. The support group was somewhere I could commit to going each week (if I felt like it), saw friendly faces (nurses, other moms who went each week) and got out of the house, which really helped me deal with postpartum anxiety. Being stuck at the house is a big anxiety trigger for me, so knowing we could easily leave made me feel so much better. It was also super low pressure in terms of being able to just nurse if you needed to, have a crying baby, etc. It couldn't possibly be more welcoming in that regard as well, of course.

Anyway, I'm just thankful for that breastfeeding support group! It was a lifesaver for me in so many ways.