Motherly Stories

I’m the mother of a trans child. Gender-affirming care saved my teen’s life

Accessing gender-affirming healthcare was the step that transformed my child’s life for the better.

I am worried about—and inspired by—my friends in Ukraine

I love you so much, Ukraine, and I admire your love and sacrifice. America stands with you, we are learning from you, and I trust that we will unify through your example.

Dear friends: I know it’s hard when life is overwhelming—but I still need you

When life gets overwhelming and I go quiet, that’s when I need my friends the most.

As I tuck my babies in at night, I’m thinking of moms in Ukraine

I’m a mama in Oregon. But, because I’m a mama, my heart feels the terror of a mama in Ukraine.

Motherhood without fear: It’s a ‘privilege’

A South Carolina mom’s Instagram post is resonating with moms who are…

I learned to let go, respect and love my postpartum body

I looked down at my formerly-flat, newly-deflated belly after giving birth to my oldest son, and I thought to myself: is this what my body is going to be like, now? The changes your body experiences during and after pregnancy can be shocking, but I learned to find the beauty in it.

Mamas in Ukraine—and around the world—achieve the impossible

And while she was acknowledging her own pain she also said, “I could be giving birth in Ukraine right now—someone probably is doing that right now.” Women give birth in war zones, in hiding, in abusive homes, sometimes completely alone.

What I wish I knew about being a stay-at-home mom

If I could rewind the clock, there are a few things I wish I could tell my new-stay-at-home-mom-self. But of course, I can’t. So instead I’ll say them to you.

Mama, when the news breaks your heart

How are you talking to your little ones about the news?

Tonight, I’ll hold my baby close

Mothers elsewhere, everywhere, hold a weight so unfathomable every waking hour—their children, those guns, the amount of 'fight' left in their bones.

To the mama struggling with postpartum: It doesn’t make you any less of a mother

Truth is, the postpartum period is hard, and we don’t talk about it enough.

How what’s happening in Ukraine has changed my perspective on motherhood

“I hold my little one closer during these times, a privilege that stirs up the feelings of guilt, as I know many mothers don’t have the pleasure of doing this right now. The dishes can wait. The clothes that need to be folded can sit a bit longer.”

We are mothering in a terrifying world with broken hearts

The world is scary and loud. It all just feels like too much. But listen, mama: we can’t pour from an empty cup. 

To the mama who feels like she’s failing at everything, you are enough

Sometimes motherhood feels like one long list of things that you’re falling short on. But know this, mama: You are more than enough.

To the mama just starting the co-parenting journey: The handoffs were the hardest part for me

It’s painful to watch families go through the early part of settling into a post-divorce co-parenting routine. Whether you’re an a-list celebrity or just plain suburban somebody like me, it’s not easy. Here's how I learned to adjust.

Stop telling me I won’t have PPD again

I'm pregnant again, and some of my friends and family have decided to tell me that “this time will be different.” More specifically, that this time around I won’t have postpartum depression. 

Postpartum anxiety stole my joy. Here’s how I got it back (and then some)

My first year of motherhood came with a flood of persistent and overwhelming worry that prevented me from enjoying simple pleasures.

I was not in love with my baby right away

I needed time to get to know him.

You don’t know what love is before you have kids

I never knew that I could love someone so much before having kids.

I’m done with New Year’s resolution pressure

Don't forget to celebrate your little accomplishments as well as your big ones.