CARE MAP METHOD™
As seen inTODAYGood Morning AmericaCBSThe New York TimesThe Wall Street JournalTIMEWatch the reel →
Video · Postpartum & new motherhood

“Good Enough” Is the Clinical Standard, Not a Consolation Prize

Why small, ordinary failures, followed by repair, are how trust forms.

31 seconds · on-screen text, no narration

Tammy Gold, LCSWSecrets of the Nanny Whisperer by Tammy Gold, published by Penguin
By Tammy Gold, LCSW
Author of Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer (Penguin)

Text in this video

“Good enough” is the standard.

What Winnicott meant

  1. The “good enough mother” isn’t settling. It’s the healthiest thing for a baby.
  2. A mother who meets every need instantly leaves no room to build resilience.
  3. Small, ordinary failures — and then repair — are how trust actually forms.
  4. Your baby needs a real person, not a perfect one.
  5. Responsiveness matters far more than precision.

You are not failing. You are doing the thing that works.

Healthy caregiving is measured in patterns, not moments. Look for responsiveness, flexibility, and repair.

Where to go from here

If your mood, anxiety or thoughts are the main problem, start with therapy, which you can use insurance for through Alma. If what you need is a practical plan for help, nights and childcare, that’s coaching.

Postpartum therapy (insurance through Alma)New mom coachingTherapy for momsGoing back to work after babyAll videos

More from this series

Thirty seconds each.

Matrescence: There’s a Word for What You’re Going Through

The developmental shift into motherhood, and why loss of self isn’t ingratitude. Read the text

Why Postpartum Is So Hard: Four Things, Not One

Biological, emotional, relational and environmental: four loads at once. Read the text

When It’s More Than Baby Blues: Signs Worth Raising With Your Doctor

Signs worth raising with your OB, midwife or doctor. Read the text

Everyone Asks About the Baby. Almost Nobody Asks About You.

Five small steps to get real support in the postpartum months. Read the text

Want to talk it through?

Check whether your plan covers sessions and see my open times on Alma.

Check Insurance and Availability on Alma →

General questions: tammy@caremapmethod.com · Text a general booking question: (818) 308-1358

Please don’t send health or insurance details by text or email. Alma’s secure intake is the place for those.

If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. Online therapy can’t respond to emergencies.