essays

This mama’s heartfelt message about breastfeeding: “You don’t have to be a purist”

222: the number of days I breastfed this baby. And today, I didn’t.

Pregnancy speculation hurts everyone—yes, even celebrities

How these questions harm not only the ultra-famous but women everywhere.

Sleep training doesn’t have to be miserable—gentle sleep training was just what our family needed

Gentle sleep training isn't painful, nor is it a one-size-fits-all approach.

One mama’s honest post about breastfeeding: “It sure didn’t feel worth it to me”

These are the reasons I will never try to override someone's struggles with the idea that it might get better or one day might be worth it. Because in the moment, it sure doesn’t feel like it.

To the one who made me a mother—thank you

You defined an entirely new meaning of love for me—a love that makes the oceans tremble. A love that makes the wind sing. A love that fills me with the grit and the glory to be your mother.

I’m sick of nagging my kids to do their chores—5 things I’m trying instead

Nagging my kids to do their chores makes me feel like I'm failing. Like I must be doing something wrong. 

I didn’t know it was possible to have postpartum anxiety without delivering a baby—until it happened to me

On top of my anxiety, I felt an intense amount of guilt for feeling this way.

Gender disappointment is real—and if you feel it, you’re not alone

Acknowledging disappointment about your baby’s sex is still pretty taboo in parenting circles.

This mama perfectly sums up what everyone gets wrong about maternity leave

Anna Whitehouse, the founder of Mama Pukka, shared a mother's insight on maternity leave in a now-viral LinkedIn post.

Kate Pearson’s depiction of plus-size motherhood is the narrative we need and deserve

Kate Pearson has never promised fat people, mothers, or fat mothers that we can “have it all” (because who can, really?). But she’s shown us that we can get darn close.

Why this photo is so much more than a breastfeeding photo

Being what I haven’t seen before is scary.

Raising a tween is hard—but so is being a tween

If you’re raising a tween, give yourself and your child a little grace.

Woke up wanting to push the restart button? You’re not alone, mama

And it doesn’t make you any less of a mother. It just makes you human.

Take the trip: In praise of a vacation without your kids

Time away from your kids isn’t selfish and you shouldn’t feel guilty. You deserve it. You need it. 

10 things I’ve learned as a mom to an autistic child

Being the mom of an autistic child isn't easy, but here's 10 things I've learned that have helped us navigate this journey a little easier. 

It’s OK to prioritize your baby’s nap schedule

It might be a holiday or special occasion, but you know what your baby needs.

Motherhood can be lonely, but I want my child to understand the importance of community

Because the village that surrounds you matters. And the people around you are the ones who help to weave you together.

Motherhood begins before a child is born

No matter if you are pregnant, adopting, taking the route of surrogacy, or grieving the loss of a child. You are a mother. Always.

Dear Mama: Your babies need a happy mom, not a perfect one

Mama, this is just a friendly reminder to drop the need to strive for perfection and simply just do the absolute best that you can.

This mom’s viral post is an important reminder on those mornings that are really hard

Keep going. Tomorrow is a new day.