pregnancy
Growing your family, one baby bump at a time. All about the ups and downs of nature's 9 month miracle.
Fear and Loathing in the Birth Tub
“I’m sorry,” I said, my attention jolted back to the conversation at hand. “What was the question again?” “Oh I was just asking, as the father, what are your hopes and priorities for this labor and delivery?” our doula graciously repeated, with my wife looking on.
By Tyler Emler5 years ago in Families
Miscarriage Story
I’ve started and stopped this story so many times. Not quite sure how I want to tell it…unsure of if I even wanted to tell it. But after many months of rough drafts, deleting, and secondary rough drafts, I think I’ve finally told it in a way that I like. I read somewhere that the story you are most afraid to tell is the story you NEED to tell. So here it is.
By Rowan Flores5 years ago in Families
Kindred Bravely Shares Support for LGBTQI+ Parents
Maternity and nursing brand, Kindred Bravely showed support for LGBTQI+ parents by encouraging followers by using the term chestfeeding, which is defined as the process of feeding a child human milk from a person’s chest. It's is a term that can be used by anyone, but often is used by transgender and nonbinary people for whom the words breastfeeding or nursing are not an ideal fit.
By Jennifer Barnes5 years ago in Families
Major Factors Influencing the Success and Failure of IVF
The first success of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for women who could not conceive was in 1978. The process has evolved greatly since then and gave the joy of parenthood to countless couples around the world.
By Dr Shivani Bhutani5 years ago in Families
"You can have mine if you want!"
I can’t count the number of times when my husband and I have given each other’s hands a reassuring squeeze every time we've walked or driven past pregnant women – either on their own – or with their partners, and a horde of other children, eager to meet their new baby brother or sister in just a few short months – or weeks, as the case may be.
By Kristie Lawrence5 years ago in Families
Motherhood
Motherhood is one of the craziest and wildest rides I have been on in my life. Leading up to the birth of my son, everything was perfect; pure joy and excitement. Then he was born 1 month early and that brought on a whole other set of challenges most mothers and fathers wouldn't ever wish upon even their worst enemy. 1 1/2 months in the NICU just waiting to be able to hold our baby boy. Finally we were able to bring him home and use our stroller, carseat, blankets and our own clothes purchased for him. The days do have their highs but there is a constant worry that I am not doing enough or being the best mother I can be. It does get hard at times but there isn't a thing in the world I would trade my little miracle baby for or change how we have lived with him so far, even though it has had its ups and way more downs. Post partum depression, stress, lack of sleep and anxiety all combined together like a poorly made soup does not discriminate. Even the best mothers and mothers of more than one child are still chosen with this horrible mental state. It is something that I am learning to grow through and learn to handle. The hardest step of the entire reality of having this mental chemical imbalance was accepting it and realizing that I needed help. It took a long discussion with my boyfriend, my baby's father, to realize that I need to be a better me, so in return I can be a better mother to my son. This statement was one that really hit home during our conversation; 'you cannot pour into others from an empty cup', it really resonated with me and made me understand that I need to fix myself before I try and raise an entire human. Thankfully I have found FB groups, friends, and family who have dealt with it first hand and have been helping and allowing me to realize that it is okay to feel this way.
By Ally Thomas 5 years ago in Families
Failsafe Labour Tips for First Time Mum's and Dads
Labour can be beautiful and when you have your new-born baby in your arms, your world will feel complete. However, the difficulties of labour for both mums and dads should never go unappreciated. As you step into the unknown, be prepared to adapt your plans to every eventuality and support each other throughout.. Every birthing experience is unique, so it’s impossible to know exactly what to expect. But, for first time mums and dads, there are many pieces of advice to bear in mind that will better prepare you for labour and help everything to run smoothly.
By Caitlin Purvis5 years ago in Families
3 Benefits of Prenatal Exercise Classes
The excitement that comes with the good news of having a baby is usually overwhelming. However, when the excitement goes down, then it’s time for one to have critical thinking about your health in general and that of your new baby. This means we must stay healthy for the sake of the baby. By staying healthy it means getting enough rest, eating healthy, as well as moving around.
By Regina Thomas5 years ago in Families
Vanishing Twin
Second-time mum here! We had planned to have our second child when our first was starting school, a five year age gap which we were happy with and ready for. Like with our first, it didn't take long to conceive. But with both pregnancies, I was worried I would take after my mother and take ages to conceive or struggle not to miscarry as she experienced for 10 years.
By Michelle Trotter5 years ago in Families
"Nine month's of creating life"
Month 1: The day comes you find out you're going to be a mother. Its like a lightning bolt across the sky, the fear of being a bad mother, the rain pouring down, which is also tears rolling down your face, the rainbow after the storm, the excitement of becoming a mother, the sound of thunder, the worrisome of every little thing that could possibly go wrong. You know everything will be absolutely fine deep down but its a scary and emotional time, but you smile and know the day was coming and you are filled with joy and love.
By Emerald Walker5 years ago in Families
