Pregnancy & Postpartum
Dear Pre-Baby Body: I Don’t Want You Back
The whirlwind of motherhood can be overwhelming and difficult to process. My lack of desire to shed the pounds or eliminate the cellulite is not a disguise for laziness; instead, I have learned to welcome rest — both mentally and physically. It has been life-changing to shift my perspective, making the conscious choice to enjoy my femininity (whatever that may look or feel like). Why do our bodies need to be what they used to be? Can we not be satisfied with how they are now? All of us women deserve bragging rights — our bodies are amazing.
12 Things a Postpartum Mama Really Needs (and She May Not Even Know It)
So, how can we help our fellow new mama friends? Before I became a mother, I would excitedly show up at a new mom’s home with the cute baby layette and matching stuffed animal and want to snuggle and spend time with the new baby, give my friend a congratulatory hug, and go on my merry way — and all with the best intentions. Now, don’t get me wrong, as a new mom I greatly cherished all the thoughtful visits and gifts I received. But I have found that acts of service can be incredibly helpful during the postpartum healing process — and SO deeply appreciated. My recommendation is: Ditch traditional, keep it practical.
What I Learned From Having a NICU Baby
“Looking at my son today, you’d never think he’d been a preemie. When he gets hangry and downs a bottle like he’s been in the Sahara desert dying of thirst for three days, it’s hard to believe he was on a feeding tube for the first few weeks of his life. As he achieves all the standard milestones like a pro and is on an average growth track, I know we are lucky that he is healthy — and I am thankful for that.”
You Know You’re in the Third Trimester When….
Pregnancy is a special time. A woman’s body is going through so many changes in order to support and nurture new life. And, let’s be honest, a lot of those changes suck, particularly in the third trimester. If you’re currently in the third trimester, I hope you can identify with (and laugh about) some of these “special” changes. If you’re in the earlier stages of pregnancy, here are some things you can look forward to. (And if your pregnancies are behind you, you can nod knowingly and be glad these things are in your past.)
Pump It Up :: Tips and Tricks for Exclusively Pumping
When I made the decision to exclusively pump with my first son, I struggled to find information, tips, and tricks. I did a lot of things wrong. My second time around, I not only had my own struggles to build upon, but a growing number of resources online and more lactation consultants informed about its best practices. Here’s what I have learned from two exclusive-pumping journeys.
We Tried Natural Gender Selection
Thank goodness for the internet, which has a ton of information about gender selection! (Note that this is just for fun, and not based on credible science.) The general theory of natural gender selection is that male sperm are faster than female sperm but also more fragile. So you’ve got to give them their best chance at getting to the egg. There are a few ways to do this:
Adventures in Feeding… and Lessons in Gratitude
Before our son arrived, I said it would be fine if we had to use formula. However, when this became our reality, it suddenly didn’t seem so simple.
Is Breast Really Best?
It’s World Breastfeeding Week, and yes, breast is best for some people. Formula is best for others. Feed the baby, and don’t worry about what others say.
Why My Nursing Without a Cover Isn’t a Political Statement
Since this is World Breastfeeding Week, let’s take a moment to reflect that in other parts of the world, nursing without a cover wouldn’t even be a debate.
