Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Cesarean Birth After Cesarean
In the “birthy world,” CBAC or “Cesarean Birth After Cesarean” refers to a belly birth that was initially planned to be a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). In cases like this, sometimes simply saying “repeat cesarean” negates the significance of the decision to birth again via cesarean. As someone who has personally traveled this road, I share the story of my second child’s birth, a family-centered, gentle cesarean, in the hopes that it can bring healing and comfort to others whose birth stories may not have gone *quite* as planned.
By Bethany Banning7 years ago in Families
The Effects of Divorce on Children
Abstract Divorce is a destructive aspect of society which is having a widespread effect on today's cultural development. Victims of divorce, including children, parents, and friendships all suffer as a result of the marital vows that are broken and ripped in two. Psychological disorders never seen in such a rise have statistically grown among younger individuals fighting for a chance to succeed in their personal lives and careers. Relationships have suffered as teenagers feel the need to rush into romantic relationships, afraid that their partner will leave. Divorce is a ladder a majority of children are forced to climb in marriages today, with each stage driving them to the limit. Even the “I love you's” from step-siblings and step-parents become a routine instead of the beloved sign of commitment within a stable household of committed individuals. Without stability, or anyone to lean on, children reach out to anyone for help—even people who are out to harm them. In many cases, drug abuse, suicides, and delinquent behavior have been recorded behaviors shown in children within divorce cases. Studies have been conducted to explore the consequences of divorce on children, and research has shown that not only does divorce affect children, but the behavior of parents towards each other often plays an extraordinary role in the future of their children's lives. Ultimately, the way the law handles divorce must be drastically improved by implementing researched based, recommended changes to better develop a new and healthy generation.
By Analyn Foust7 years ago in Families
Miscarriage Awareness
October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Never did it cross my mind that this day would be something I would be a part of. I don’t think anyone thinks they will be a part of it but the reality is 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage. Why don’t we know this? Why didn’t I know this? It’s not a subject anyone wants to discuss but knowing that this is common is something women need to know. Us ‘1 in 4’s’ need to know it’s not our fault, we didn’t cause it. It’s “normal.” As terrible as that sounds. I want to share an open letter I wrote for women who have had the unfortunate chance of being the ‘1 in 4.’
By Haley Madison7 years ago in Families
The Things They Don’t Tell You at School: Babies
When I left school, I was left thinking I knew how to handle the outside world on my own. I mean I’d learnt the ins and outs of all the cells in a plant, I’d learnt how to dissect a pigs heart. Heck I even learnt how to speak like Shakespeare!
By Jordan Cooper7 years ago in Families
10 Things I Learned Through Losing a Pregnancy
The first time I found out I was pregnant, the most apparent feeling for me was surprise. I’m not sure why I was so surprised to see a positive result on my at home pregnancy test since my husband and I had been trying, or as I always said “not preventing,” for about a year. Nonetheless, I felt surprised, scared of the inevitable labor and delivery, and also excited about this new phase in my life.
By Haley Peterson7 years ago in Families
A Mother's Worst Fear
I have never spoken out publicly about the details that are in this writing. And not all of it will be here. If I see enough support I will feel more comfortable and do an add on. But, I have felt the need/want to because, I know I am not the only parent or mother that goes through this or has been through what I have.
By Kristin Scott7 years ago in Families
The Father I Once Knew
Did you love her? You always scream at each other, I can’t tell if it was out of love or pure anger. Mother screams first, then after a while you scream back at her. She said words that she told me to never say, but then why is she saying them to you? You and mother are screaming and then-
By Caroline Urbina7 years ago in Families
How to Come out to Homophobic Parents
1. Make sure you will be safe. When we think of coming out, we all tend to think of the worst case scenario first. Try to think what would realistically happen based off your relationship with your parents. If you have neglectful or abusive parents, it’s much safer to write them a letter or get another adult to help you. On top of this, if being kicked out is an actual threat, you should wait until you aren’t dependent of them. Once you’ve moved out they can’t do anything to you. They might also take you more seriously as an adult, rather than brushing you off as a teen going through a phase.
By Luka Seydoux7 years ago in Families
Being a Single Mom with No Job
The day I found out I was pregnant was the day my life would change forever, as most would expect me to say. How my life changed, is a whole different story. I was single at the time, and still am. I was currently working at a local restaurant as a waitress, and the hours varied from week to week, most being late at night. I took my 3 positive tests in the end of May, and summer was just getting started. The restaurant was getting busier and busier while my stomach was getting sicker and sicker. It didn’t help that parts of the restaurant didn’t have working air conditioning, like the kitchen where it was needed most. My blood pressure dropped and tended to stay low due to the pregnancy, and I got light-headed very easily. This plus the extra heat of the summer at work didn’t make for a good combination. I cut back on hours to help get rested for the days I did have to go in, but even that wasn’t enough to get through my shifts. I ended up quitting but didn’t have anything lined up which rendered me unemployed as of mid-July. Even though I had some money saved, the worry started to set in real fast.
By Lindsay Holder7 years ago in Families
