Sarah Moore, LPC

02/13/2026

Resource Spotlight: PACE Moms P.A.C.E.
Early motherhood can feel isolating—even in a city full of capable, thoughtful parents.
PACE (Parenting and Childhood Education) offers professionally facilitated support groups for moms of babies and young children throughout the Greater Washington, DC area.
PACE groups focus on:
The real emotional and relational shifts of early parenting
Building confidence through connection, not comparison
Learning about child development in a supportive, non-judgmental setting
Groups are led by trained mental health professionals and designed to help moms feel less alone, more grounded, and more confident as they navigate the early years.
If you’re looking for parenting support that values relationship, reflection, and community, this is a wonderful local resource to know about.
🔗 Learn more: pacemoms.org
—
GTNDMVMoms
Community, Calm + Research-Backed Support
for a Healthier Postpartum

02/11/2026

MotherToBaby is such a great resource, hope you have it close at hand. GTNDMVMoms

02/03/2026

📌 Your Real-Life Postpartum Plan for a Strong Start

If you’re expecting, you’ve probably spent a lot of time preparing for the baby.

Here, we also prepare for you, your mental health, and your family.

This page is about realistic, research-informed, and compassionate support for pregnancy and early motherhood—especially for capable, high-achieving women who are used to doing a lot on their own.

Here’s our gentle, real-life postpartum plan:

✨ 1. Keep Easy Fuel Within Reach
Think: protein + convenience.
Greek yogurt. String cheese. Hard-boiled eggs. Protein bars. Trail mix. Hummus. Shakes.

Eating something is enough.

🤝 2. Find Your People Before You Need Them
Before baby arrives, bookmark:
• A moms group
• A stroller walk
• A support group
• An online community you trust

Community protects mental health.

🛒 3. Let Others Lighten the Load
Let people:
✔️ Run errands
✔️ Bring meals
✔️ Use grocery delivery
✔️ Help with chores

This isn’t indulgent. It’s caring for your family.

💛 4. Practice Saying “Yes” to Help
People offer because they remember how hard those early weeks can be.

Saying yes is connection, not weakness.

❤️ 5. Tend to Your Relationship, Too
A new baby changes everything—including your partnership.

Small things matter:
• Check in
• Assume good intentions
• Lower expectations
• Protect small moments of connection

Many couples find And Baby Makes Three helpful for navigating this transition together.

You don’t have to “fix” anything.
You just need to stay connected.

🌸 6. Give Yourself Permission to Be Human
You are allowed to:
✔️ Lower the bar
✔️ Rest
✔️ Change your mind
✔️ Ask for support
✔️ Learn as you go

Postpartum isn’t about bouncing back.
It’s about being supported.

You don’t need a perfect plan.

You need:
🤍 Food you can grab
🤍 People you can reach
🤍 Systems that support you
🤍 A relationship that feels cared for
🤍 Permission to rest

That’s a strong start.

Welcome. You’re in the right place.

—
Sarah
Founder, GTNDMVMoms

01/31/2026

When researching starts turning into anxiety…

This is for the moms who care deeply and think carefully 💛

You’re not failing.
You’re loving.

Save this for the next time your brain won’t turn off.

01/23/2026

Some seasons of life ask us to hold a lot at once — responsibility, uncertainty, and change.

If things feel heavier than expected, that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

It usually means you’re in the middle of something meaningful.

You don’t have to rush yourself through it.

Just a reminder for today.

12/15/2025

11/20/2025

II am excited to share that we have a new Resident in Counseling. Julia Batalla, LGPC, MA has robust corporate experience and obtained both her Bachelors and Masters at Northwestern.
Julia works with adults with depression, anxiety, career, parenthood, grief, college life, couples support and life transitions. Schedule a free consultation with Julia at: julia@sarahmoorelpc.com or https://www.sarahmoorelpc.com/contact

10/10/2025

Are Issues with In-Laws the Source of Your Postpartum Stress? What to Know:

For most new mothers, the postpartum period can bring up complicated emotions. Welcoming your new baby can be joyful. But this time can also be extremely stressful.

Many women struggle with their mental health postpartum as they adjust to the demands of motherhood. However, pressure from other people, like your in-laws, can make your postpartum stress feel even more severe.

Perhaps you’re currently suffering from high levels of postpartum stress. If you have had trouble getting along with your in-laws in the past, you might wonder if their behavior is a contributing factor.

Here are a few ways your in-laws could exacerbate your postpartum stress, and why therapy can help you navigate the situation.

Disrespecting Boundaries
It’s perfectly normal for new parents to set strict boundaries around their time and schedule in the weeks following the birth of their new baby. But what if your in-laws choose not to respect these reasonable boundaries?

You might feel overwhelmed if they’re stopping by your house when you or your baby are trying to sleep. This can exacerbate your stress levels and cause you to feel extremely anxious.

Overbearing Parenting Advice
You know how you want to parent your child. Together, you and your partner have spent plenty of time talking about. But at every turn, your in-laws insist they know better.

You often face criticism for even the most basic of choices. No matter what you do, it seems like your in-laws can find some sort of flaw in your actions. You end up second-guessing your decisions, and you worry that you’re not doing enough for your child.

Most of all, you long for space and time to figure out parenting on your own, without constant derogatory comments.

Guilt-Tripping
You might feel confused about your emotions upon becoming a mother. Some days, you might feel blissfully happy. On other days, you may feel anxious, fearful, or simply exhausted. But your in-laws might guilt-trip you if you express anything other than happiness.

Putting a Strain on Your Marriage
Finally, these tensions with your in-laws can strain your relationship with your partner. You might try to bring up your concerns, only for the conversation to go south when your partner gets defensive. Or you might worry that talking to your partner about their parents will be too uncomfortable, so you stay silent about your frustrations.

Talking to a Therapist
Working with a therapist can help you confidently set boundaries. You can also learn to forge your own path as a mother, along with your partner—and demonstrate to your in-laws that ultimately, it’s your job to make decisions for your baby.

Furthermore, bringing your partner to couples counseling can help you both find a way to navigate challenging conversations with your in-laws. A therapist can enable your partner to see where you’re coming from so that you can move forward together as a team.

—

Do you suspect that tension between you and your in-laws is worsening your postpartum stress? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.

09/28/2025

Self-awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you truly know your strengths, your limits, your patterns, and your needs, you unlock the ability to grow with confidence and live with intention.

For women, especially those juggling careers, families, and countless responsibilities, self-awareness becomes a powerful tool. It helps you:
💡 Recognize when you need rest instead of pushing harder
💡 Set boundaries that protect your energy
💡 Celebrate your strengths instead of comparing yourself to others
💡 Break free from old patterns that no longer serve you

The more you tune in to yourself, the more freedom you have to create a life that feels authentic, aligned, and fulfilling.

✨ Take a moment today to pause and ask: What do I need right now?

09/26/2025

There is no map for grief. It's not a linear path, but a deeply personal journey with no timeline and no rules. Some days may feel heavy, while others might bring a moment of light before the clouds return.

Whatever you are feeling right now, sadness, anger, numbness, confusion, or even nothing at all, it's valid.

➡️ Use these gentle reminders for the moments you might need them most.

If you feel you need a safe space to navigate this journey, our therapists are here to hold space for you, without judgment. Please be kind to yourself.

09/23/2025

Did you know the postpartum period is critical for a mother's long-term health?

Postpartum care is essential for your recovery and well-being. It focuses on the mom's complete well-being, not just the baby's. It's dedicated time to help you:

✨ Heal Physically: Your body did something amazing! Postpartum care helps you manage recovery from birth, whether vaginal or cesarean, addressing everything from perineal care to core strength.

🧠 Support Mental Health: It's okay to not be okay. Postpartum check-ins create a safe space to discuss mood changes, anxiety, and the "baby blues."

🤱 Navigate Feeding: Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding, support from lactation consultants and healthcare providers can help you and your baby find your rhythm.

😴 Adjust to New Rhythms: Learn tips for newborn care, sleep (for both you and baby!), and how to recognize what's normal as you get to know your new little one.

Asking for help is a sign of strength. Discuss creating a support plan with your doctor, partner, or a trusted therapist.

Building your postpartum support plan can make all the difference. Who is in your village? Tag a new mom who needs to hear this!

09/22/2025

As women, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we have to prove ourselves constantly...at work, in relationships, at home. But true self-worth comes from within.

Remember:

💡 You are not defined by productivity.
🗣️ Your voice and feelings matter.
😌 Rest is not weakness, it’s self-respect.
🚫 Boundaries are healthy, not selfish.

The more you honor your values and treat yourself with compassion, the stronger your sense of self-worth grows. 🌸

💬 If you’re ready to begin this journey with support, therapy can be a safe space to rebuild confidence and reconnect with who you are. Schedule a free consultation today.