Put Your Own Mask on First

You know that moment on a plane when they’re doing the safety demo, and they hit you with that line: “In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will deploy. Please put your own mask on before assisting others.”

And every time, I’m like… wow. Even at 30,000 feet, life is still telling me: you can’t help anyone if you’re passed out.

I didn’t learn this lesson with my first son, who is now nine. I learned it after my second son and after burning out at my day job in 2022.

The Story Mothers Are Told

Because here’s the truth: this isn’t the story we’re told as mothers. Or, even as women.

We’re told—directly and indirectly—to give. To keep going. To bounce back. To be everything for everyone. All while leaking from our bodies, barely sleeping, and trying to heal from one of the most physically and emotionally intense experiences of our lives: birth.

And then? Keep giving.

To your baby.
To your partner.
To your parents.
To your siblings.
To your friends.

Did you notice who wasn’t on that list?

You.

Learning the Hard Way

I hope you can learn from my “mistakes” or, as I like to call them, learnings. Because something had to shift.

I had to start putting myself first. And I learned that it wasn’t selfish—it was necessary. I became a better mom, partner, leader, and human when I actually poured into myself first.

And if I’m being honest, I didn’t see this modeled growing up. My mom is a superhero—and still is in my eyes. She worked hard, cooked, cleaned, and held everything together as the matriarch of our family.

But now, as I watch her in this season of life, I see the cost of that kind of constant giving. Not slowing down. Not pouring into herself. Not choosing rest. I realized I didn’t want constant self-sacrifice to become my own badge of honor. I wanted to make a different choice.

Modeling Something Different

To survive my very full life, as the founder of babygami®, a new 3-in-1 collapsible baby bottle, sippy cup, and snack cup, a full-time nonprofit executive, and a mom to three boys, I had to change.

But more than that, I wanted to model a different reality for my sons: that self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

When my oldest started reading at five, I began leaving little Post-it notes for my boys on mornings I left early to work out. They read:

“Dear Sonshines,
I’m going to take care of myself, so I can take better care of you.
<3, Mama”

Because I want them to grow up knowing that caring for yourself is part of caring for others.

Pouring Into Yourself in Real Life

So if you’re pregnant, in the trenches of newborn life, navigating toddler chaos, or moving through any stage of motherhood—I see you. I’ve been there. This season will also pass.

And if you’re an adventure mom like me, pouring into yourself might look a little different.

It might be sitting outside in the sunshine with your baby.
It might be taking a longer shower.
It might be going for a walk with your stroller or baby carrier.

Whatever it is, do it. Do you.

Value yourself. And ask for help—from your partner, your friends, your family, your village.

Take care of yourself first.

Because whether it’s motherhood or work, you can’t pour from an empty tank. Or in this case, an empty oxygen mask.

Mask on. Deep breath. Then raise legends.

At babygami, our mission to empower mothers to keep living adventurously by equipping them with space-saving gear and support to get outdoors. We believe, it's helpful to see examples, so we aim to build community, share stories, and tips to support parents and caregivers. However, our content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always reach out to a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health, pregnancy, postpartum experience, or your child’s well-being.