Feels Really Controversial to Be Trying to Get Pregnant – The Cut

I Was Diagnosed With Cancer During My 4th Trimester – Refinery29

Pregnant women in Madagascar get free transport to hospitals during coronavirus pandemic – CNN

Separate Studies Launched to Investigate Coronavirus Impact On Pregnancy – Forbes

The Dumbest Family Fight We Had During Quarantine, According to 9 Men – Fatherly

12 Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day With Kids – Parents

How to Discipline a Toddler – Parents

Covid-19 appears to attack placenta during pregnancy, study says – CNN

A woman cared for her sick parents while she was pregnant. Her father died, and coronavirus came for her too – CNN

The Top 5 Active Skin-Care Ingredients That Are A-Okay To Use During Pregnancy – Well + Good

Kate Bosworth Wants to Change the Conversation Around Modern Motherhood – Vogue

Crayola unveils new packs of crayons to reflect world’s skin tones – CNN

“Comparison.

I’ve grown to absolutely loath that word. Probably because I’m guilty of it and it brings on a ton of negative self talk (which is a habit I’m trying to break). Some advice? Don’t compare yourself to other moms ever, EVER! Your journey, your situation (whatever it may be) is unique and that’s what makes it YOURS! So embrace it.

Recently as most of you know I’ve been struggling with my colicky girl and a lower milk supply. I did tons of research and got a lot of opinions from you guys and then one day, I had the WORST melt down about everything. Why can’t I pump as much as other moms? Why do other babies sleep better than Addy, what am I doing wrong? Why can’t I comfort my beautiful girl? Why can’t I provide milk and store it like other moms can? Etc- eventually I asked myself “why am I not as good a mother as these other mom?”. WOAH! STOP! Pump them breaks miss! First of all. I’m a great mom. I love Adelyn, my worrying and researching, and not giving up is proof of that. My never giving up on loving her and trying to help her is proof of that. Doing all I can to feed her, change her, comfort her is proof of that.

So let me tell you something mama dear, you are a GREAT mom! You’re struggling today maybe and that’s okay, what ever you’re feeling is okay and you WILL get through this. You’re doing wonderfully and just take a deep breath, stop comparing, and keep going. You’re EXACTLY what your little one needs. I promise. 🙏🏻”

Instagram: @chelscaris

“It feels strange posting this on a public platform after spending months trying to hide this bald spot, but here I am! I wanted to share this because postpartum hair loss is something every mama experiences and, while normal, it can be very distressing, and your feelings about it are completely valid. Yes, these two sweet faces made it all worth it and I am so grateful to have them in my arms, but I have stressed so much about the clumps of hair that came out every day for months and months after James was born, hoping this wouldn’t happen. ⁣
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During both of my postpartum periods, I experienced more than average hair loss that ultimately led to bald spots. The first time it was conveniently hidden, but this time it is in a much more obvious spot. When I experienced this the first time, I consulted with my doctor and naturopath, and contributing factors were hormone imbalances related to postpartum and stress. So, I am doing my best to listen to my body and have been trying to make some changes to improve my overall health and have followed advice from my hair stylist. I now have lots of regrowth with SUPER cute baby hairs popping through, but my thinning hair and this bald spot is something I have really stressed about recently and I wanted you to know that, if you are experiencing this or any form of hair loss, you are NOT alone! ⁣⁣
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I’ll be sharing a few tips in my stories so be sure to check that out, too! If you are willing to share your postpartum hair loss experience or tips in the comments, I would love to hear from you (whatever stage you are in), and perhaps it will encourage others that they’re not alone ❤️.”

Instagram: @meetmylittleloves

Website: https://www.meetmylittleloves.com/

“Reminiscing today on my fastest labor by far. I vividly remember screaming on the highway not thinking we were going to make it. I went to bed that night 🌙  uncomfortable as usual. I woke up with contractions that were 5 min apart, i went to use the restroom and began to time them. My bags were some what packed and I was 38 weeks and 4 days. I knew it was time to head to the hospital I finally made it upstairs to kiss my kids, “POP”  there goes my water. I remember getting nervous at this point I knew we were running⏳out of time and I had Hailey without a epidural and didn’t want to do that again.

Flying 85 mph down the highway I remember praying to God ( Please don’t let me be that lady to give birth in a car)! Pulling up to labor and delivery I couldn’t even get out of the car I screamed to a pedestrian to help me at this point I was 8 cm dilated and I hadn’t even been admitted yet. Three nurses ran to me with a wheelchair we bypassed triage completely  into the elevator we go up to the 7th floor.  At this point I am scaring everyone in the hospital because I am screaming bloody murder,  some for the pain but mostly  Because I felt like I was losing control and this birth was not going how I had planned.

My memory gets a little fuzzy after this I remember seeing a lot of people moving very quickly fast. Prepping the Room the bed and also myself. I close my eyes and prayed the last thing I remember yelling was dropped the bed!  After that my body did its own thing and he was here. Healthy breathing and crying all I could say was thank you welcome to the world my sweet Owen👶🏽
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** I will never forget nurse Dolly 5 min after birth say “well at least now we can get you admitted, what’s your name😳🥴😵** ”

Instagram: @the_arielb

“Wouldn’t have changed having a baby during this pandemic for anything in the world because then it wouldn’t have been you, Baby Oaks. This undivided quality time together has almost been a gift in disguise. For us to figure it out as a family and everything we went through—the kids especially. Arrow has been disconnected to me (so sad only wants dad…But I’ll win him back) and Harlow is just so insightful that she’s been having her moments of “what the heck has been going on”. It’s a lot for the kids. On top of me leaving for weeks and not seeing their friends or doing their normal life and then adding a new baby to it all. But then, to be able to sit skin to skin for hours on end, no agenda to report to, no plans to keep, no where to be, no one to see. Just be us. I always value slow living but especially now. But then a part of me is mad. My girlfriends should be here. Our families should be able to hold him.

I have a lot of healing to do, from the inside out. Grieving some things, physically healing, emotionally healing. I spent a lot of the last 20 weeks worrying. Feeling frustrated. Mad about having a c section because I knew I couldn’t be “normal” for my kids when they first saw me. The pain of the c section ran deeper than physical. It’s that I couldn’t come home and run around on my hands and knees like my kids were missing so badly. I can’t tend to them and do all they are used to. I had to process everyone else seeing and holding my baby before I got to. I literally have moments where I’m like what on earth went down and moments of I wouldn’t have changed it for anything. But all I know is that you are so worth it Oaks and we will figure it out. Harlow is napping with dad (seriously protesting sleep), Arrow is napping and Oaks and I are doing a lot of this. These are the best days of my life and I’m not going to forget it. Each second here now is something I dreamed of for so long so I’m just going to soak it all up. The good + the bad. Just a little update to let you know we are equally surviving as we are thriving.”

Instagram: @conveythemoment 

“As we approach Mothers Day, I wanted to share something that’s been heavy on my heart for a little over a year. These words are not meant to gain sympathy as I do understand there are many others that have experienced much worse experiences. This post is clearly to spread mental health awareness. Now more than ever, in this time of uncertainty we all need to help one another and spread awareness. 

The question always asked is when are you going to have another baby? If I had a smooth experience then yes I would love to be pregnant right now, however that was not the case. I absolutely loved being pregnant but unfortunately had a really traumatic labor experience. This post isn’t to tell my story but is simply to spread awareness in hoping you can help someone.   For someone that already struggles with depression, post partum along with my ptsd of my labor experience was extremely hard on me. As a soon to be mom you educate yourself on information and postpartum. What I did not educate myself on was what if this labor does not go according to my “labor plan”.  Getting back from the hospital, I was extremely uneducated how to take care of myself. First week back from the hospital, I remember standing there in tears after dropping my medicine bottle on the floor as it rolled under my bed.  I was told I was unable to get down on the floor after surgery therefore felt hopeless as I was in physical pain. 

Vaginal or CSection the recovery process is physically and emotionally draining. I can’t stress on this enough but to reach out to your mommas whether they are your coworker, family member, friend or aquanance. Reach out to them and check on them. Continue to check on them, go see them, offer help, talk to them, bring them a coffee, the list could go on. 

There is no time limit on post partum. They need you more than you know.  I’m extremely blessed and grateful to have a beautiful healthy 1 year old. Being a mother is by far the most precious gift in life. I really hope each and everyone of you can make a small difference in someone’s life 💕❤️ I promise you it does matter and you can make a difference.“

Instagram: @breezemoe

“This scar represents my birth story which isn’t easy for me to share. I still haven’t fully emotionally processed what I experienced from what I expected. I woke up to contractions at 3 am and waited until they were 2 mins apart to leave for the hospital. We checked into triage and were informed I was 1 cm dilated. The nurse had us walk around for an hour to speed dilation but I didn’t progress. Since my contractions were close I was admitted. I held off on drugs for hours trying to ride out the pain rolling through my body but I was tired and couldn’t bare it anymore. I took the epidural. As the day passed I progressed slowly. My doctor broke my water and I was given pitocin. By late evening, I reached 7 cm and was feeling hopeful until nurses came rushing in. Her heart rate plunged. They had me re-position my body several times to see if it would help. They came back and told me I had to have a C-section. I was devastated. I felt immense disappointment and fear come over me. My morale instantly depleted as they wheeled me into a bright and cold sterile room. My arms were trembling uncontrollably as I was laid on a table with my arms out. I was told I’d feel a little pressure but it was far more and I yelped. I kept thinking I want this to be over. I felt no pain but felt every ounce of pressure being placed on my body. I felt another immense strain as they pulled her from me. I heard her cry and my heart was so happy she was here. I thought it was finally over but my placenta still needed to be removed and the incision closed. I honestly couldn’t bare it anymore. I felt guilt as I desperately wanted to hold her but was so exhausted, still trembling and overwhelmed with grief from what I experienced that I was reluctant to be introduced to her this way. I could see her from afar getting checked with my husband by her side as I dozed off. I woke up in the recovery room nursing her with the help of a nurse and my husband. I locked eyes with her and fell instantly in love. I’m unbelievably thankful to have a healthy baby. We both made it. I’m coming to terms with my unexpected birth story that changed more than just my body with a scar.”

Instagram: @tisha,haynes

“One day postpartum and I was ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Swollen.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Exhausted.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Overwhelmed.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Frustrated. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Weak. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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One day postpartum and I was⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Elated.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Overjoyed.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Relieved.⁣
Empowered.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Changed. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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So many emotions and feelings, and all on either side of the spectrum.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I remember feeling like I was part of a juggling act — balancing my mental state, physical well-being and all the new information being tossed at me. As soon as I thought I had gotten into a rhythm of things, another “ball” would be thrown into the mix. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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And this juggling act continues.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Displaying grace and resilience. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
Being vulnerable and strong.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Showing initiative and patience.⁣⁣⁣⁣
Letting go and accepting more.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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This is motherhood.”

Instagram: @sheis.elle

“Two weeks old ✌🏽 and 2 weeks postpartum! The amount of times I wake up and fall asleep makes one day feel like 3 😳 It’s totally exhausting but completely amazing. In two weeks we’ve finally got some sort of “routine” down. For the first time, I’m finally wearing regular underwear. (How long are disposables acceptable? Because I’d still be fine to wear the @fridamom boy shorts 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣) When she naps, I miss her. I countdown to her next feeding when I get to hold her and smell her again. At 3am when she wakes, I barely open my eyes to get her on the boob. We eat (yes both of us), change our bottoms (yes both of us), and then back to bed for another 2-3 hour nap. My sleep only consists of naps these days. I swore to myself before she was born that I wouldn’t take these sleepless nights for granted, because before I know it, she’ll be 2, 10, and off to college in a blink of an eye and I want to savor these precious moments while I have them. ❤️ Feeling blessed to be a mama!!!”

Instagram: @kathryndee