For #3, I’ll tell you how I learned to meditate.

Start with short sessions, maybe 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, start with an audio guide. Try to focus on the process and remove any other ingredients. Count breaths, find a comfortable sitting pose, and work through any intrusive thoughts until you have a clean slate. If you can get through to a point where the sounds, smells, and light around you doesn’t pull you out of this “empty” state, you’ll find a clearer, more balanced mental state waiting for you on the other side of the session.

Really excellent article with just the right amount of bizarre and nostalgic content.

Depending on your situation there are some doula services that are partially or fully covered by some medical groups. Varies state by state and depending on income and other factors, but can be a few visits or so. If you talk to a doula collective they may have more info for your specific area.

Totally hear you. First few weeks are tough. Some kids are harder than others, and you’re learning a lot too. Good news is that they get easier, and you will get better at it. Also, a couple months in they start smiling and you get some encouragement finally.

Until then - consider a postpartum doula and a housecleaner. Takes money, but your life and family are worth it if you are able. You can’t get all the independence back, but you can get enough.

Gonna need this reworked to include pachycephalosaurus.

This thread has some great ones, and quite a few of the folks I’d consider the best. But I haven’t seen anyone mention Stuff Made Here! What gives?

I highly recommend Hype Machine for properly new and sometimes unexpected music. Downside is that you need to sort through some stuff you might not enjoy but upside is pretty solid when you find a new artist! More organic than any of the prediction-based discovery apps.