Motherly Stories

Dear NICU mama: Your strength is profound–and unexpected

Your experience with your precious baby will be one that, at times, can feel like it is breaking you into a million pieces–but I promise that feeling is just the start of your transformation into a stronger, wiser, humbler version of yourself.

To my firstborn—you are the best big brother I’ve ever seen

My wish is that you will always be best friends. That you always look out for each other. Continue to be each other's biggest fans.

My C-section scar makes me feel like a warrior

This scar represents my own grit. My own tenacity. My own stubbornness. Things I now pass down to my daughter.

Brooke on PPD to all-the-time depression

After my son was born, all I wanted was sleep. But I was scared of closing my eyes for fear of something happening to him during that time. I couldn’t shut my mind off from all the irrational thoughts running through it.

Motherhood is: Answering about 300 questions a day

And today, at this moment, I would LOVE a second of quiet.

Jen on accepting herself as a medicated mommy

After my son was born, all I wanted was sleep. But I was scared of closing my eyes for fear of something happening to him during that time. I couldn’t shut my mind off from all the irrational thoughts running through it.

You’re not failing, mama

If you're in a tough season right now, please let this be my reminder to you: You will catch a break. You will figure it out. You will find a way.

How to help your child manage back to school anxiety—from kindergarten to high school

Here's how to help your baby, mama.

Kristen Bell understands the weekday morning struggle

It's "miserable," she says (but it can get better).

13 hacks to keep your car organized—from real mamas

We asked #TeamMotherly to share their best hacks, tips, and tricks to keeping their cars (or minivans) organized and clean—and they delivered.

As a working mom, one day I asked myself: Is this really what I want to be doing?

For me, work gives me something of my own. Something to separate me from being Henry and Simon's mom and Logan's wife.

To the mother who feels lonely right now—it won’t be like this forever

Moms, take your armor off. There are troops to help us in this beautiful, complicated thing called motherhood

My baby doesn’t sleep through the night–please stop asking me if he does

He will sleep through the night eventually and I have that to look forward to, but right now I will enjoy his midnight snuggles.

Why summer is the most stressful season for me as a working mom

I don't have the option of putting my job on hold for two months, but it's also unreasonable for my kids to spend huge chunks of the day in silence so I can work like I'm used to.

To the exclusively pumping mama: A note of encouragement

Your motherhood is not measured by breast or pump, by output and ounces, by formula or bottle.

True life: I’m going to stop apologizing for my messy house now

And I'm done apologizing for it.

Motherhood is my career, and I’m a proud SAHM

There is no clocking in or clocking out. No holidays or sick days or breaks.

Watching you be a dad is more amazing than I ever thought it would be

I'm so proud of you, and I'm proud of what we're building together every day.

My advice for new moms: Find ‘your’ playground

In many ways, this playground has been just as effective a measure of my children's growth as any scale.

When it comes to newborns, there are no shortcuts, just coffee ☕️

We're going to get through this. Promise.