They Bloom Because of You

Sunday Times bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood—the hard, the magic, and the fleeting.

The love you have for your children
Only deepens as they grow

As poet Jessica Urlichs emerged from the beautiful chaos of new motherhood and watched her children grow, she felt her breathing slow and a more intimate appreciation for life develop—as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. In They Bloom Because of You, Jess lays bare the surprising triumphs, sorrows, evolving love, empathy, and slightly subdued chaos that occurs as our children bloom and become alongside us. Reflecting on motherhood into school age, Jess offers a much-needed exhale, a hand to hold during this precious and fleeting time, and an often-forgotten acknowledgment of just how far we’ve come.

A balm for the soul, Jess’s poems poignantly remind us of what once was (our beautiful babies) while tenderly planting us in the now (our growing children) and looking toward a hopeful future, together.One of Zibby Owens' Most Anticipated Reads for March 2026

“At once uplifting and unvarnished, vulnerable and triumphant, They Bloom Because of You is a metaphor for the complex poetry of motherhood itself—an ode to the chaos and beauty, the failures and triumphs, the messiness and sleepless nights, frustrations and endless joys that make up not only the experience of raising a child, but of the ways in which our children raise us.” —Miranda Cowley Heller, New York Times bestselling author of The Paper Palace

"This isn't one of those esoteric, inaccessible poetry collections. No, Jessica Urlichs's new collection is a contemporary ode to motherhood, filled with relatable snippets that explain love that's so big, it's impossible to encapsulate. One poem was so relevant that I read it out loud to my son the night after I interviewed Jessica on my podcast. Tackling topics like loss, love, and chaos, this humorous slim read is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The perfect quick read in between mom-life moments." —Katie Couric Media

“The first time I read something Jessica wrote, it lifted the postpartum fog I was in. And I was deeply grateful to have someone put into words what I was feeling but couldn’t express. This book is not just something you read once. It’s a companion that allows us to be all we are as mothers and women with no judgement and instead love. It’s a book to keep close and come back to over and over again like you would a best friend. “ —Jennifer Love Hewitt

"I often say you can’t put motherhood into words, it can’t be defined by any number of adjectives or emotions, it’s a feeling you can only understand through living it. Jessica is the closest I’ve felt to putting that feeling into words. A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears, both from the deepest place of joy and also the release of pent-up emotion. Reminding us that there is no singular path through motherhood, but that we are in fact, in this together.” —Hilary Swank

“Jessica’s writing is deeply captivating, honest, and evokes every emotion. She captures the experience of motherhood with such clarity that it resonates not only with those living it, but also with those who haven't yet stepped into the role. Her words invite you into the full spectrum of joy, awe, exhaustion, and love—all while offering a profound reminder of the love our own mothers gave us when we were small. Though I’m not yet a mother myself, reading Jessica’s work fills me with a sense of wonder and excitement for all the love that lies ahead.” —Josie Balka, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing, and Living

“Jessica’s words are a gift for mothers everywhere. Soft, soulful and soothing, they remind us that even the most mundane moments are sacred.” —Nicola Jane Hobbs, author of The Relaxed Woman: Reclaim Rest and Live an Empowered, Joy-Filled Life

“Jessica Urlichs offers a hopeful reminder that motherhood is not a destination but an unfolding of the self. Reading her poetry nourishes the soul, allowing mothers to feel seen in the emotional complexity of motherhood and in witnessing our children—and ourselves—bloom.” —Bryana Kappadakunnel, author of Parent Yourself First

“Jess Urlichs manages to take the little bits of motherhood that very few acknowledge and serve them up in beautiful poetry. Observations that feel like a peek behind a curtain into the realities of motherhood in all its forms and demands. Real, uplifting, reflective and (sometimes) sad - this is a book to treasure. I adore Jess and her work.” —Giovanna Fletcher, author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures in Motherhood

“Jessica Urlichs has become the voice mothers turn to. Her poems are moving, real, and a reminder that we are never alone in this journey. They Bloom Because Of You is a gift to every mother.” —Rose Brik, author of My Father’s Eyes, My Mother’s Rage

“Jess’s poems always seem to find me right where I need them, like a very good mum friend who just knows all the right words to say. I just love everything she writes and I think ‘They Bloom Because of You’ is the perfect follow on from ‘Beautiful Chaos’ as my own kids get older I’m sure Jess’s words will continue to provide a soundtrack to their childhood.” —Kerri Cunningham, founder of Murphy’s Sketches and author of There Is a Season: Poems to Celebrate the Little Things in Life

“The poetic comfort and deep understanding every mother needs. Jess shines a gentle light on those dark 3 a.m. feeds and captures the overwhelming joy and ache of parenthood with rare honesty. I wish I’d had her words when I was deep in the trenches of that sheer love-and-terror season of early parenting. Beautiful words every mother needs. This book is a balm for the weary. Jess’s words land like love.” —Donna Ashworth, #1 Sunday Times (UK) bestselling author of Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light on Dark Days

“They Bloom Because of You is a tender and earnest ode to motherhood. Jessica Urlichs has a gift for distilling the intricate experiences of motherhood into something both tangible and deeply relatable. This is a book that will meet you exactly where you’re at and remind you that the love you pour out is always growing something beautiful.” —Elise Powers, author of The Size of Your Joy
Jessica Urlichs is a Sunday Times bestselling author and poet who lives in New Zealand with her husband and three children. She has written a variety of children's books to help babies and young children navigate their emotions in their early years. Jess’ honest and heartfelt poetry about her family and motherhood continue to be a source of guidance for mothers and parents alike around the world to connect.CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Penguin Random House. Please be extra cautious when opening file attachments or clicking on links.

There is a mother somewhere, whose grown
child lives on the other side of the world,

she holds them in her heart because of the
distance between their arms.

There is a mother somewhere, whose baby won't
stop crying, they want to be held, fed to sleep, they need
her so much and all she wants is a moment alone.

There is a mother somewhere, whose child may
never say the word "mama," she's faced unimaginable challenges, and dreams of that sound often.

There is a mother somewhere, who has heard the word "mummy," on repeat, she's touched out, it's all so loud,
and she's desperate for a moment of silence.

There is a mother somewhere, awake, tiptoeing
out the door of the nursery, her tears not long
dried, she dreams of sleep, she adores her baby but still
thinks back to those carefree days sometimes.

There is a mother somewhere, awake, who hears tiptoeing down the hallway because her teenager got in late, she loves watching them grow, but she thinks back to the days they were little and would climb into her bed for cuddles instead.

There is a mother somewhere, her house is full
of noise and mess, lived in and loved.

There is a mother somewhere, her house is clean
and silent, and memories hang on the walls.

There is a mother somewhere, telling her grandchildren about what their parents were like when they were little.

There is a mother somewhere, asking
her own mother, what was it like?

It's heartachingly beautiful, and sometimes,
a beautiful heartache.

If she tells you this is incredible, the best thing
she's ever done, believe her.

If she tells you this is hard, the hardest thing
she's ever done, believe her.

It's heartachingly
beautiful, and sometimes,
a beautiful heartache.

Jessica Urlichs, They Bloom Because of You

Where I Begin



You made me a mother

and so much more

I became a home

and you opened that door.

My heart took a leap

left my body anew

a wholesome hollow

when we became two.

You took your first breath

as I held my own

the world stood still

as you started to roam.

I've been out of my mind

and I've been in my head

like a hallway of frames

filled with you instead.

And no song sounds as sweet

nor the ocean, nor birds,

as the hum in my memory

of your first words.

See, I can't explain

this weakness and strength

where you begin

and where I end.

My voice became louder

a whisper turned roar

it's hard to imagine

my life before.

Because I'd give you the world

but my heart will have to do

for they're one and the same

now it lives in you.

When a Mother Falls in Love



People will try to tell you about that first moment.

When you fall in love.

And you'll nod, you'll sit there in awe trying to make
sense of a feeling that could never be put into words.

Because how do you explain about knowing love but not like this, how it runs through your veins. How with each inhale you'll consume it forever from this moment forward. That your new home is wherever they are, and theirs is simply you.

How do you explain this pain with a purpose, the one
that pulls every ounce of strength from your body. Strength you never knew you had, strength that waited for you.

How do you explain wanting the world to know
about this perfect little person you're staring down at, and
in the same breath, wanting to protect them from it. That you've never felt so fierce and so vulnerable, that your
arms have never felt so important.

How do you explain that those months of growing
them, would be the beginning of them growing you. How you can be born again, still you and someone new.

How do you explain how it feels as if you've
known them forever. How they find your eyes like
it's all they've been searching for.

How do you explain how time will stand still,
but never still enough to catch it.

How your legs will wobble in this new role
and yet you'll never stand so tall, and how heartbeats
have their own language.

That this love has a sense of melancholy,
you'll feel everything, it's so big it hurts. It's
peaceful and it's terrifying.

A journey where your destination travels alongside you.

A detached piece of yourself that makes you feel whole.

A color before the bloom.

A type of magic handmade just for us.

Maybe that's why no words could ever do it just.

How do you explain how
time will stand still, but never still enough to catch it.

Jessica Urlichs, They Bloom Because of You

I'll Hold Your Hand



There will always be days where the world feels tough

So let me remind you, that you are enough.

There will always be lows, there will always be highs

So hold my hand, and together we'll fly.

There will always be troubles, but tomorrow is new

So hold my hand, and let me show you.

There will always be darkness, but the sun will still rise

So hold my hand, let your glow be your light.

There will always be sadness, but there's love on the shore

Let it wash over you, hold my hand a bit more.

For each crack in the earth, a star shines above

For each heart that breaks, someone's falling in love.

And for every beginning, there'll be someone you miss

You can hold my hand through it, I'm so glad you exist.

There's pain and there's beauty, there's joy and there's fear

And in each given moment, I'm so happy you're here.

So, when it seems heavy and it's harder to stand

You can lean on me instead, I'll hold your hand.

In each given moment,
I'm so happy you're here.

Jessica Urlichs, They Bloom Because of You

To My Midwife



I don't know how to thank you

For all that you have done

The way that you move heaven and earth

A hero who's unsung.

The power you have witnessed

How you reminded me

The strength I had within

The beauty that you see.

And all those months you listened

Measured, soothed, and cared

The texts and calls you took

The way that you were there.

It takes someone so special

To do all that you do

To hold each birth close to your heart

And all the heartbreaks too.

And though I felt so vulnerable

In those moments of love and pain

You told me I was strong

Again, and again, and again.

You guided a life into this world

And then you guided another

In all the weeks thereafter

As I became a mother.

And each time I would soften

As you walked through my door

It feels a little strange

That I won't see you anymore.

So, I just want to thank you

For this huge part of my life

I'll always remember that day

And I'll always remember my midwife.

Neither You, Nor I



Mama, we haven't done this before,

Neither you, nor I.

We both feel very small,

and these arms don't feel like mine.

It's very hard to focus

And everything is new

But I hear a voice as you pull me in

And my heart knows it is you.

I know that you are tired

Full of worry, love, and fear

But only when I'm with you

Do my worries disappear.

So, let's lie here together

Let's take it day by day

Just press my heart against your own

And let it show the way.

Mama, please don't fear these days

For they will pass us by.

We're both brand-new,

We haven't done this before.

Neither you, nor I.

What If



What if in the beginning

We told mothers it was okay?

To surrender, give in, hold on, as long

As the night turned into day.

And what if from the start

We supported how a mother feeds?

If she could, or couldn't, or simply chose

To remember her own needs.

And what if we said "it's normal"

To not always feel so together?

Let's change "just you wait and see"

To "it won't be like this forever."

And instead of holding the baby

What if we held the mother?

And walked together on this journey

One foot after the other.

And what if we encouraged her

To do whatever felt right?

To soften into her knowing

In the harder parts of night.

And what if we spoke of all the shades

The sunsets and the blues?

That her path is hers, and how beautiful it is

To find something you didn't lose.

And instead of holding the baby

What if we held the mother?

Jessica Urlichs, They Bloom Because of You

A Mother's Love



You must have known I loved you,

Before you came to be.

By some divine miracle

You found your way to me.

You must have felt my love for you

Before you could even feel.

You must have heard my call for you

Before you were even real.

And now we lie together

A new familiar gaze.

I promise that I'll never

Be the first to look away.

I've loved you for the longest time

Much longer than it seems.

Before we even met

Because I loved you in my dreams.

Coffee Is Not Enough



Here's to the mums who feed to sleep

Have forgotten to eat

Pick things up with their feet.

Here's to the mums who have a quick shave,

Just of their ankles

No time in the day.

Here's to the mums who quickly walk by

Their furry first baby

Whose tail wags to say hi.

Here's to the mums who think they've done nothing

Being someone's constant

Is more than just something.

Brain is scattered, mismatched like socks

On your worst day

You are still someone's rock.

And here's to the mums who feel they may break

With each little startle

And every night wake.

Tired and tangled, this is no easy feat

But just a reminder:

Please have something to eat.

On your worst day

You are still someone's rock.

Jessica Urlichs, They Bloom Because of You

A Mother's First Steps



None of regulating their big emotions while

trying to regulate your own is easy.

No one can tell you how to do this,

no one knows your children like you do,

even on the days you feel like you don't.

This isn't a dress rehearsal, there is no main act,

no true measurable goals,

only the moment before you.

You can't hold on to everything you did or didn't do,

there are no receipts or score cards, no winning

or losing, just being, and feeling, and connecting,

and disconnecting

and love bursting forth

and numbness in between it all,

and trying,

and trying,

and trying again.

All I Love



I love that I get to hold you

And swoop in when you call

Hold myself out like a blanket

Be your landing when you fall

I love that I'm your safety

That it's my hand you hold

I love how it is my embrace

That weaves your pain to gold

I love that on the longest nights

As you drift off to my smell

My heavy head tomorrow

Is the only thing I'll dwell

I love that I'm that place

For your worries and your fears

My heartbeat in a shell

Like an ocean to your ears

I love that in the morning

Even in the early rise

My face over the crib

Is the light behind your eyes

I love these slow and gentle days

How they blend with one another

Always the mother of a baby

And the baby of a mother

But I hurt for all I love

For the mothers who want nothing more

Than to go back to the hard beginnings

That seemed so hard before

My heart is torn for all I love

And so, I hold you close

For those with aching hearts

Who know a mother's love the most.

Our Chair



I know we are here a lot, Mama,

together in this chair

but right now I don't want to be

anywhere but here.

It's warm, and it's familiar,

yet every moment is new

little building blocks

of the safety that is you.

I won't recall these memories

these nights of you and me,

how when I cry out again, and again

it's your beautiful face I see.

But your soothing will be my song,

your skin will be my home

This belonging will always live in my heart

even when I'm alone.

Your voice shines through the darkness

as you lift me to your embrace,

my little hands search for you,

as you wipe tears from my face.

One day our nights won't look like this,

one day you'll set me down

I'll never sleep on you again,

with no chair to be found.

The chair will become your arms,

or the comfort of your smile

The chair will become your voice on the phone

that I've missed hearing for a while.

So for now, Mama, please hold me close

back and forth together,

I may not remember our chair

but I'll carry these moments forever.

Mother



You're not just a person

You're a place.

You are someone's home.

I See You Now, My Friend



I wish I could say "I see you"

As I think back to before

How I watched you become a mother

But it wasn't you I saw

You shared your announcement photo

Your baby, all brand-new

"Welcome to this world," it read

And it should have been for you

I wish I'd held you before the baby

And listened between the lines

Maybe I would have asked again

When you told me you were fine

I wish I'd seen more than the smiles

And realized your tears had dried

And known your sun had become the one

That set in your baby's eyes

And when you said you were tired

I wish I knew what you meant

I nodded, imagining the longest nights

But your body felt broken and bent

I wish I had known that consuming love

And truly celebrated your wins

The privilege of being invited over

As you let the outside in

I wish I had seen the immense change

And not just of your view

That even though you were so in love

At times you felt lonely too

That as magnificent as you seemed

You had your doubts and fears

That a piece of you now lived on your sleeve

And your moods were mapped by theirs

I wish I had listened more closely

The first smiles, first rolls, and feeding

And just how big these achievements were

How you told me these days were fleeting

And when you left the house those times