Instagram: Becoming Better Mothers, One “Follow” at a Time

Instagram can help us become better mothers. Yes, you read that right. 

As mothers, we question and doubt our caregiving abilities daily. Parenting can feel like a pretty lonely journey at times despite those close to us often having been through similar situations. 

Mothers often turn to social media when they need to reach beyond their friends and family for answers or advice. Sure, social media has its ups and downs, but it pulls us in for various reasons.

We scroll the ‘Gram late at night and even sometimes during the day (gasp).

We scroll to cheer ourselves up after a long day of mothering, to see that we are not alone in our everyday struggles, and to laugh, cry, and be amazed by different styles of mothering across the world.

It’s 2022, and we still do not have a parenting manual to help navigate the waters of raising a child or children. I’ve compiled a list of Instagram accounts that I’ve personally turned to during the ups and downs of motherhood. I like to view it as my own virtual parenting manual. 

I have scrolled through these accounts for late-night laughs, parenting advice, behavior management ideas, body-positive reminders, new tools for my parenting toolkit, and the simple feeling that we are all connected in this thing called “motherhood.”

Follow, Follow, Follow (in no particular order)

@MotherhoodUnderstood To “educate, connect, and prepare women for the emotional complications that sometimes accompany childbirth in the weeks, months, and even years that follow. The stuff nobody warns you about.”

@ihadamiscarriage Psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the creator of #IHadAMiscarriage campaign.

@doulakaytee Babywearing Consultant, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Educator, Nose Booper (I think this may be my favorite part). Since the day I stumbled across her page randomly, I have been amazed by her babywearing techniques, tips, and tricks. I wish I had found her page earlier in my daughters’ lives when I struggled to get anything done without holding at least one baby.

@triedandtruemoms Two Moms enjoying and sharing the little things in life; good deals, music, food, health, & happiness. 

@th3littlestavenger Mama of three, living w/ GAD, MJD, ADHD + PMDD, normalizing postpartum, and mental health advocate.

@mommaintraining Motherhood and family, mom hacks, deals.

@themamanotes Helping to make motherhood easier and more fun by sharing activities and a glimpse of my motherhood story.

@ashley_dorough Plus size fashion mama; “bodies are supposed to change, and you are worthy!”

@meg.boggs athlete. advocate. creator. mother. author of #FitnessForEveryBody

@thebirdspapaya A journal of life and love after massive changes.

@mombrain.therapist Mental Health Habits for Parenting Life. Seeking time, balance, and peace, Licensed Therapist and mom of 3. 

@dr.martaperez Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN), mom, wife, researcher.

@janetlansbury Student of Magda Gerber, author of No Bad Kids & Elevating Child Care, host of Unruffled, and founder of Respectful Parenting.

@thebalanceafterbaby Postpartum support, education, and empowerment.

@biglittlefeelings Child therapist and mom of two toddlers giving real tips for real toddler problems. 

@the.decluttered.mom “I help busy moms declutter & simplify their homes to free up time, energy & patience.”

@pairswellwith.whine Whine < Wine, Queen of the “Cleantok Mafia,” Designated Babysitter to 4, giving all of the cleaning tips, and her accent is the best.

@transformingtoddlerhood Toddler expert, helping to end power struggles, transform tantrums, and replace yelling & threats with positive, developmentally appropriate tools.

@busytoddler Making it to naps, one activity at a time, Kindergarten and 1st-grade teacher turned SAHM and a former curriculum specialist. 

@mimosaswithmoms “Support, Empower, Connect,” mom of 4, wife, therapist, author, co-parenting/blended family.

@nottheworstmom Comedian, author, podcaster, Author, #MomJokes (censored warning)

@mommydearestinc “Giving less f*cks than your average mom and inspiring you to do the same.” (censored warning)

@momstransparenting Snarky Mom, Writer, Ally.

@snarkybreeders Snarky mom with a meme problem.  

@goldfishandchickennuggets Working mom of 2. Keeping it real, not necessarily keeping it together.

@mom.whine.repeat “Sometimes funny mom with kids who WON’T STOP WHINING.”

@plainchicken Quick and easy recipes made with everyday ingredients that are sure to please the pickiest eaters.

@yummytoddlerfood Easy kids recipes (the whole family will enjoy) and sane picky eating advice. 

@kids.eat.in.color Jennifer Anderson MSPH RDN and a team of experts teaching us how to get your picky eater to eat veggies, what to feed kids, meal plans, and a free picky eater guide.

@gentle_parenting “Our generation of unconditionally loving, gentle parents will change the mind of the next generation and, with that, the world.”

@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Dr. Aliza Pressman, the science of parenting, developmental psychologist, professor, and mom of 2.

@parentingwithintention What Young Children NEED You to Know: How to see them so you know what to do for them.

@unconditional_parenting A mom passionate about helping parents build relationships with their children based on respect and trust.

@mamapsychologists Postpartum Specialist and Parenting Expert, “We help you enjoy motherhood again,” Managing Tantrums Successfully Workshop.

@lovewhatmatters Love What Matters: Good news, Hope. Compassion. Kindness. A daily dose of good for all parents.

Don’t forget to follow Pensacola Mom Collective on Instagram and Facebook for everything Pensacola mamas need to know!