Over the past year, ChatGPT has become my travel planner, nutrition consultant, stylist, occasional therapist, hype-man, shopping enabler, baby-name brainstormer, late-night conspiracy theorist, emotional text co-writer, and, most recently, debate partner on whether I should buy yet another blender.
But when it comes to something like newborn advice, that’s where I paused.
Could the algorithmic musings of open-sourced wisdom, culled from the internet’s collective archives and mysterious data pipelines that I won’t pretend to fully understand, actually rival the counsel of women who’ve been there?
At 3am, when my newborn is screaming loud enough to wake the entire block, should I text my best friend Julia… or fire off a message to my confidant, Chat?
Am I losing something essential by asking a robot instead of another mom?
(Sorry for calling you that, just then, Chat.)
So, I staged an experiment: I asked ChatGPT eight real questions I’ve had as a new mom. Then, I handed those answers to my mom-friends and coworkers for review, rebuttal, and ultimately, a little reality check.
What’s a great meal for a mom to have after giving birth?
ChatGPT:
The very best postpartum meals are warm, easy to eat one-handed, and deeply nourishing (because your body’s healing and you need real fuel). One of the classics that checks every box is:
Hearty Chicken & Rice Soup 🍲
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Why it’s great:
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Comforting, easy to digest, and hydrating (huge for recovery + breastfeeding).
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Full of protein, healthy carbs, and minerals to rebuild strength.
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Can be made in bulk + frozen in portions.
The Mom Squad:
Erin, mom of 3 boys under 6: Whatever you can easily eat with one hand!
Christine, mom of 4 year old: Pre-made meals made my life so much easier. I also kept a lot of snacks around to munch on.
Agnes, mom of 5 kiddos: Lots of water and high-protein snacks (chocolate, nuts, yogurt, beef jerky, etc.).
Christy, mom of 3 year old and 10 month old: Pre-made carb and protein packed meals & a body armour on the side!
Angela, single mom by choice (SMBC) of 4 under 6 years: Whatever won’t hurt the baby whenever you inevitably spill some on them. 😅
What’s the best 3 AM baby sleep hack when my brain is only half-awake?
ChatGPT:
Set up a “sleep station” within arm’s reach
Instead of stumbling around the house half-asleep, keep a basket or tray by your bed with everything you might need: extra pacifier, swaddle, burp cloth, water bottle, dimmable nightlight, even a phone charger so you don’t start scrolling aimlessly. The goal is: no getting out of bed, no hunting for things, no turning on big lights.
Keep the vibe boring
At 3 AM, your baby’s job is to eat and go back to sleep, not to be entertained. Dim light, no chatter, no eye contact parties. It signals “nighttime, not playtime.”
Stack your comfort too
Have a warm robe, a cozy chair corner, or even a heated blanket ready so you aren’t miserable. When you’re comfortable, baby picks up on that calm energy too.
The Mom Squad:
Erin: There is no hack - just try and remember that everything is a phase and soon the 3AM wake ups will be few and far between.
Taylor, mother of 3 boys: Tag team with your partner when possible and if you have a sweet babe who has a harder time with sleep, ice water, sour candy and a great podcast can help keep you awake!
Agnes: Netflix and chill! Remember that this too shall pass and while you’re in the thick of it catch up on your shows while the rest of the house is asleep.
Christy: Prep everything that you could possibly need during the night, beforehand. I’m talking bottles, snacks, diapers and wipes, the remote control, and a nightlight. When the baby wakes up, no loud noises, no baby talking or bright lights. Keep the mood calm and the room dark so they start to understand day vs night. If it's one of those nights where they won’t go back to sleep, put a show on and enjoy your night. Remember that morning will come & prioritize a nap that day.
Angela: Try to avoid the phone so you can fall asleep more easily. But if you can’t resist, turn on a show you’ve seen a million times before and just listen with your eyes closed to help clear your mind.
What’s the best way to shower as a new mom?
ChatGPT:
1. Shower During Baby’s Nap (Classic but Golden)
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Put baby down in a safe sleep space (crib/bassinet).
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Treat the shower as your reset button. Even 5 minutes with hot water can feel like a luxury spa.
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Keep a “new mom shower kit” ready: shampoo/conditioner 2-in-1, body wash, razor. This way you don’t waste brainpower deciding what to grab—you’re in and out in under 7 minutes.
2. Bouncer/Container Trick (If You’re Solo)
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Place baby in a bouncer, swing, or even car seat and bring them into the bathroom.
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Steam doubles as a free humidifier, and you can peek out if needed.
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Bonus: some babies actually find the sound soothing and may doze off.
The Mom Squad:
Erin: I typically brought the bouncer chair into the bathroom with me! For a more relaxing shower ask a family member to come hang with the baby.
Christine: I typically snuck my shower in during my little one’s first morning nap.
Agnes: Prioritize self-care when your significant other is around for a win-win set up! They get to spend time with the baby while you get a few minutes to reset and refresh. If you have time for a nap, this is also a great time to squeeze one in!
Christy: If my partner wasn’t available to watch the baby, I would bring my bouncer in the bathroom and the shower noise usually put him to sleep. I liked the angle of the bouncer because it propped up my baby since he had a bit of reflux.
Angela: Set an alarm so the day doesn’t get away from you without showering, bring in the bouncer, or bring in the baby in a bath seat if they’re Velcro babies!
What’s the one book every new mom should read?
ChatGPT:
If I had to pick just one book for new moms—it would be The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson.
Why this one?
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It’s less about “perfect parenting techniques” and more about you—your body, emotions, and identity shift after birth.
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It gives practical tools for healing (physical and emotional), setting boundaries, and finding rhythms that actually support both baby and mom.
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Unlike the baby-care manuals that can feel overwhelming, this book helps you not lose yourself in the chaos.
The Mom Squad:
Erin: Expecting Better - Emily Oster. It’s full of data driven insights and is a great resource that can empower you to make the choices that are best for you during your pregnancy.
Lindsay, mother of a 5 year old boy: Ditto Emily Oster — would also recommend signing up for her data driven newsletter. She has so many data driven insights that help make parenting decisions easier.
Agnes: What to Expect the 1st Year by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel was my go-to during my early days. It provided insights into what to expect, when NOT to worry, and when to call your doctor. (And let’s face it, with my first child, I wanted to call the doctor about everything!)
Christy: The Big Book of Organic Baby Food - Stephanie Middleberg. Food is such an important part of health and growth. This book walks you through baby purees, baby led weaning (if you choose), finger foods and toddler meals. It was helpful to have insight on what foods to prep and try first for all the different stages.
Angela: Bringing Up Bébé was an eye opener to see how another culture raises children vs parents in the US.
What are some ways I can use my extra breast milk?
ChatGPT:
You’ve got liquid gold on your hands—here are some clever ways to use extra breast milk beyond just bottles:
1. Feed Baby Later
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Freeze in portions (ice cube trays or milk bags) for future bottles.
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Mix a cube into oatmeal or purees when baby starts solids.
2. Soothe & Heal
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Milk baths: a few ounces in the tub can help with baby’s dry skin, eczema, or diaper rash.
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Apply directly to baby acne, scratches, or even your own sore nipples—it’s naturally antimicrobial.
3. DIY Keepsakes
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Some jewelers make breast milk jewelry (pendants, rings) if you want a keepsake.
The Mom Squad:
Christine: I froze my extra milk to use as I weaned my baby. This allowed me to continue feeding her breast milk for an extra couple of months after I had stopped breastfeeding and pumping. We’d also use it on her baby acne to help clear it up.
Agnes: If you have extra, you can donate to your local hospital or the Milk Bank to help other newborns.
Christy: I loved keeping some frozen so I could use it in a feeder keeper when my baby started teething. If I had leftover milk, I’d add it to his bath at night. When he had bad baby acne I put breastmilk on it and it went away within a day!
Angela: My chonky baby ensures there is none to spare.
Lindsay: If only I had extra!
What are some unexpected things to add to my baby registry?
ChatGPT:
5 unexpected but game-changing registry adds:
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Nursing-friendly night light – soft, dim, touch-controlled for middle-of-the-night feeds.
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Extra pump parts (or extra bottles) – saves you from constant washing when you’re exhausted.
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Blackout curtains – a gift that keeps on giving for baby sleep and yours.
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Insulated water bottle with straw – hydration without juggling while nursing/pumping.
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Meal delivery gift cards – because fed parents = happy baby.
The Mom Squad:
Erin: A baby keepsake book or gift card for family photos!
Christine: Some must-haves for mom: Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit (it has everything you need) and the Little Sleepies Women’s Robe. I lived in a robe for the first month of my little one's life.
Agnes: Zippy sleepers for baby, sibling matching pajamas for baby to match with other kids and pets, baby clothes in sizes bigger than 6 months (everyone gets the newborn size but babies grow fast!), freezer teething toys, a baby ball pit.
Christy: Matching Little Sleepies PJs for baby, siblings, and mom for sure! It’s so fun when your toddler realizes they’re matching their new little sibling. Another must have is a bottle washer and sterilizer and a humidifier.
Angela: A brush and shampoo for cradle cap—they work wonders!
What are some unconventional tricks for surviving teething?
ChatGPT:
Teething can feel like survival mode—so here are some unexpected but mom-approved tricks beyond the usual teethers:
1. Frozen Washcloth Twist
Wet a clean washcloth, twist it, and freeze. The ridges give texture and the cold soothes gums.
2. Silicone Spatula or Measuring Spoon
A food-grade silicone kitchen tool is oddly perfect—soft yet firm, safe to chew, and easy for little hands to grip.
3. Cold Fruit in a Mesh Feeder
Pop frozen mango, strawberries, or even cucumber slices into a mesh feeder. Instant relief + tasty distraction.
The Mom Squad:
Christine: Anything cold and safe to chew on. We cycled between teether toys, wash clothes, and feeders. Our favorite teether was the Banana Infant Training Toothbrush. It doubled for us as it was first used as a teether and later as her first toothbrush.
Agnes: Freezer teething toys (put them in the coldest spot in your refrigerator instead of the freezer so they remain really cold but flexible for those sensitive gums. Place frozen fruit in a mesh feeder and get your baby’s taste buds involved. And don’t forget those bibs - teething babies drool a LOT!
Christy: A forage feeder teething & ice cube tray saved me. I froze breastmilk and put it in the feeder for him to chew on. Teething oil with clove in it helped both my kids a lot also!
Angela: Frozen mini pancakes if you’re doing BLW or have an older teething little!
What’s the best new mama mantra to tell myself during hard moments?
ChatGPT:
“My baby doesn’t need perfect, they need me.”
The Mom Squad:
Christine: You’ve got this, mama! You are doing great!
Agnes: Give yourself grace, especially if you’re a first time mom. You’re learning right alongside your baby.
Christy: That all these moments are temporary, the good and the hard is all fleeting. It may feel like the longest moment when you’re in that phase of life, but in the scheme of things it’s a blink of an eye.
Angela: “Everyone is alive and mostly happy—that’s a win!”
Maradith, mom of 9 & 11 year olds: I’m a huge fan of Dr. Becky and love her reminder “Parenting feels hard because it is hard”! Give yourself some grace. If your baby is safe and loved, the rest is just details.
In the end, what I realized is this: it’s not about getting any one perfect answer. There is no perfect answer. It’s about the stories, the little hacks, and the truths that come from your friends, your family, your coworkers… the people who’ve lived it and want to share it with you.
Because when you swap advice, you’re building on your connection with that person, and you’re reminded that none of us are doing this alone.
So, yes, new mamas — ask your friends. Always. And laugh about it together, cry about it together, figure it out together.
Unless it’s 3 AM and you’re desperate. Then ask Chat.
Love you, Chat.
