A Pregnancy to Motherhood Resource by The Baby Chick

Author: Jennifer Hill Robenalt

Jennifer Hill Robenalt is the editor of Austin Family Magazine. She is also a freelance writer, editor, content developer, and communications consultant. You can find her at www.jhrcommunications.com and on Instagram at @ideamakerupper.

Follow this author here:

motherhood

parenting

parenting

parenting

parenting

#FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!! ...

View
1483 24
Open
SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!! 🗣️ SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!! 🗣️📢👏👏👏⁠ .⁠ Words & 📷: @mrs.caitlin_fought⁠ "You want to help a mom? Support her.⁠ ⁠ I breastfed my daughter and plan to do the same with this next baby.⁠ I have friends that formula-fed.⁠ ⁠ I decided to stay home with my kids.⁠ I have friends who decided to go back to work.⁠ ⁠ Never once has my parenting choices gotten in the way of our friendship.⁠ Never once have I felt the need to lecture another mom about how she decides to raise her child.⁠ ⁠ You want to help a mom?⁠ Support her.⁠ Let her know you're there for her.⁠ Tell her she's doing a good job.⁠ ⁠ Your opinion doesn't help anyone but maybe your own ego.⁠ ⁠ Mama, I support you. I support the sacrifices you've made. Just because we parent different doesn't mean I won't be your biggest cheerleader. ❤️"⁠

I know a lot of mamas can relate to this picture. ...

View
1960 48
Open
I know a lot of mamas can relate to this picture. I know a lot of mamas can relate to this picture. If only there was such a thing as a coffee IV-drip. 🤣☕☕☕ You're doing great, mamas! Hoping that this week brings you a extra rest and a whole new found energy! 😘 🖌: @spiritysol

When I think back to when I gave birth to my son, ...

View
2159 30
Open
When I think back to when I gave birth to my son, When I think back to when I gave birth to my son, I do remember the surges of the contractions, the release of being in the water in the tub, and the pushing. So much pushing. 😓⁠ But I also remember the relief I felt when I first saw Mary Alice, one of my midwives, walk into my master bathroom while I was laboring in the tub. I remember my doula holding my hand in between pushes giving me encouragement, and my husband gently stroking my hair as I came down from the height of contractions.⁠ After giving birth, I remember how my midwives made my bed with fresh linens and with me in it feeling comfortable as I nestled with my newborn son. I remember how a meal was brought to me in bed and how everything was cleaned up and looked as if nothing happened -- not like I had just given birth to a baby. (I had a home birth, by the way.) And I remember how they were all with me by my side every step of the way.⁠ I felt the love, the patience, and the respect that I needed. Those are the memories that I hold with me when I think about the day my son was born. It's how I was cared for and how my birth team made me feel that stays with me.⁠ For expecting women out there, be intentional with the people that you invite into your birthing room. That includes your doctor, your midwife, and your support people. I know that things look very different right now with hospitals only allowing one support person, but you can still receive good support. Take an online birthing class with your partner and practice how they can help you in labor. Speak up to your nurse and ask for what you need and what you want for your experience. Be your own advocate! And if you feel like you can't speak up, hire a doula and receive virtual support during your pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum. Feeling supported, respected, and truly cared for is just as important as having a successful birth with a healthy mom and baby. 💗

I've been searching for an image that ...

View
3753 33
Open
I've been searching for an image that captures how I've been searching for an image that captures how I've been feeling. And it's this. Parenthood. Love. Protection. ❤️ Standing up for those who can't or they get struck down. For my friends with children who are at risk, just from doing normal things that shouldn't include risk of death. For the women who are more at risk of dying or having their babies die. I don't have the right words but I do have a heart that is breaking for the families who don't get to see their loved ones come home. Thank you, @JadeBeallePhotography, @the.shine.cloth & @mswrightsway for this beautiful image. #blacklivesmatter

O.M.G. Cutest thing ever! This is exactly how I ...

View
1429 20
Open
O.M.G. Cutest thing ever! This is exactly how I wa O.M.G. Cutest thing ever! This is exactly how I want to spend my weekend. Don't mind me 😎💗⁠ 📷: @__.asuu

Ain't this the truth?! 🤣⁠
📷: ...

View
1355 14
Open
Ain't this the truth?! 🤣⁠ 📷: @themessymomm Ain't this the truth?! 🤣⁠ 📷: @themessymommy

"I'm a sucker for birth stories! ...

View
2502 53
Open
"I'm a sucker for birth stories! I've had a variet "I'm a sucker for birth stories! I've had a variety of lengths of labor and birth situations, no C-section or breech experience so far though, but I hope we can find encouragement and hope in each of our stories. While I love sharing about all these boys' births, I don't have the space here for all of them so let's chat about my fav and most unique one. Boy number 4's says an accidental unassisted home birth, but the true reality is that I was assisted by my husband, Michael. My midwife just didn't make it until he was 15 minutes old. I have prodromal labor for weeks before the real thing so when I first went into labor with him, I thought it was the same as it had been almost every night for weeks. When I finally got into the shower, Michael knew I was in transition (7-8cm) because it's what I always do at that point and called the midwife. She could hear me and knew she wouldn't make it, but she had only made it for 30 mins with the one before so that man of mine was prepared. The comical part of this story is that we had a 4-month-old puppy at the time and he was trying to get into the bathroom so Michael went to put him outside, realized the dog had pooped and cleaned it up, only to come back to the bathroom and tell me 'His head is almost out!' I told him, 'no duh!' And within a few more seconds, he was born in the sac still 😳 so I freaked a bit that he wasn't breathing before I realized. Michael calmly broke the sac, go the suction bulb, and then I held him wrapped in a towel in the shower until my midwife arrived. It's my husband's favorite story to tell because of his calm demeanor in the crazy 😝 and I'm all "yeah, I had NOTHING to do with it!" So what's your #birthstory, friends?" 📷 & story: @arielctyson

One day a pregnant client of mine started having ...

View
1567 52
Open
One day a pregnant client of mine started having a One day a pregnant client of mine started having abdominal pain. She called her OBGYN's office and they had her come in to check on the baby to make sure everything was okay. Everything looked fine and well with the baby so they sent her home saying that it was probably something that she ate and that it must be gas or indigestion pain. Days went by and the pain not only continued but it got WORSE. I encouraged her to continue reaching out to her doctor, which she did. She would call the office and the nurse and doctor would tell her that everything was fine. They told her what meds she could take that could help, and that if she wanted to come in again the next day, she could. The next day she went in and they looked at the baby and the baby was still perfect. They told her to go home and said to her, "You must have a very low pain tolerance because everything is appearing normal." Little did they know that she had labored for days and delivered her first baby withOUT any pain medication. (She had a different OBGYN with her first baby.) This client of mine is a strong woman and definitely does NOT have a low pain tolerance. I would know because I was her doula for both of her babies. The pain she experienced only got worse the next day. She was in agony. She did her own research and thought it might be appendicitis. She decided to drive herself to the hospital this time without calling and told the nurse that she was in severe pain and that she thinks she has appendicitis. The nurse said, "there is no way that you could have appendicitis. You wouldn't be able to stand or drive yourself here or even talk if you had appendicitis." My client demanded that she see a doctor to get evaluated. Once a doctor was available to see her and examine her safely (since she was 34 weeks pregnant) they realized that, in fact, she DID have appendicitis & that it was so bad she needed immediate emergency surgery since it could be life-threatening. The surgery then caused her body to go into labor. Just hours after her surgery she pushed & delivered her second child. I tell this story because I have seen & been told countless stories like this. (Continue reading in the comments.)

😐😐😐😐😐😂⁠
📷: @thedad

View
2254 117
Open
😐😐😐😐😐😂⁠ 📷: @thedad 😐😐😐😐😐😂⁠ 📷: @thedad

The Ultimate List of Grandpa Names⁠ 👴⁠
...

View
674 14
Open
The Ultimate List of Grandpa Names⁠ 👴⁠ .⁠ The Ultimate List of Grandpa Names⁠ 👴⁠ .⁠ We recently posted our ultimate list of Grandma names, but you might be looking for the perfect match for a Grandpa name. 💙 Many fathers that turn into Grandpas usually go with what their dads were called as grandparents or something traditional, but we encourage you to take a look at all of the options! There just might be a better fit that suits you. 😊 Here is our ultimate list of over 100 Grandpa names to choose from!⁠ {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ 📷: @royalty_europe

Tag your squad 😎⁠
😂😂😂⁠
...

View
3144 199
Open
Tag your squad 😎⁠ 😂😂😂⁠ 📷: @then Tag your squad 😎⁠ 😂😂😂⁠ 📷: @thenewsclan

As soon as a woman becomes pregnant she will hear ...

View
807 15
Open
As soon as a woman becomes pregnant she will hear As soon as a woman becomes pregnant she will hear ALL kinds of unsolicited advice from everyone around her. 🤰 Friends, family members, even strangers will tell her what they went through and what they think she should do with her body and her baby. 😑 And this unsolicited advice continues long into parenthood. ⁠ Something that I think ALL mothers should know and learn is that you do NOT have to own or accept any information or stories someone tells you if it does not serve you. If it's unhelpful and not inline with your choices, hopes, and desires as a mother, then as soon as it was received immediately discard it. Don't harbor any information that does a disservice to you. The mind is a powerful thing. When we are told war stories and how terrible, awful, or painful things were for them (pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood), that can live and stay with you. You do not have to own someone else's story. It may have been told with good intentions, but if you do not find value in it let it go. Release it and surround yourself with positive talk, uplifting stories, and happy, respectful, and supportive people.⁠ Be bold enough to go against the grain if you must and do what is right for you and your family.⁠ Ultimately, listen to your intuition. And if you're unsure of what your intuition is telling you, seek counsel from people who you admire and trust.⁠ You're doing great and if you didn't know this, you're already are a great mother. 💕 #thebabychick

Transition to Motherhood in Uncertain Times⁠ ...

View
213 7
Open
Transition to Motherhood in Uncertain Times⁠ 🤱⁠ .⁠ When a first baby is born, so is a new mother. 💗 The transition to motherhood can be a very difficult one that is impossible to be fully prepared for. As you become a mother you take on a completely new identity. It is a new phase of life that comes with new challenges, emotions, and growth.⁠ 🌱⁠ ⁠ As a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit occupational therapist, I find that I take care of the mothers just as much as I take care of the babies. ❤️ Many, if not most mothers, are prepared with the tangibles: a place for the new baby to sleep, clothes for the new baby to wear, bottles, and diapers. But it is impossible to fully prepare for the emotional transition that takes place. New moms are met with not only a little baby who is completely dependent but also a barrage of new and different emotions that you may not fully understand.⁠ {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ Author by: Aimee Ketchum⁠ @aimeeketchum⁠ 📷: @trinitysierra

Let me just stop you right there! *pew pew* ...

View
2205 78
Open
Let me just stop you right there! *pew pew* 🔫🤱

Surprising Body Changes During Pregnancy – ...

View
2316 52
Open
Surprising Body Changes During Pregnancy – Podca Surprising Body Changes During Pregnancy – Podcast Ep 33⁠ 😮⁠ .⁠ Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in a woman's life. 💕 But don't get me wrong, not every day of pregnancy is glamorous. 😬 We've all heard of the luxurious hair, the glowing skin, the stretchmarks with the growing belly, but there are also things that happen to a woman's body during pregnancy that aren't really discussed. That's why we are covering all of the surprising body changes a woman can experience during pregnancy on today's podcast episode. So if you're currently expecting and are noticing some odd changes happening to your body, you can feel relieved knowing that you are not alone. 🤰 {Click 🔗 in bio to listen to the episode!}⁠

Now that "homeschool" is over, we can ...

View
534 24
Open
Now that "homeschool" is over, we can now enjoy ou Now that "homeschool" is over, we can now enjoy our summer! 😎 Oh, wait . . . #looksalotlikerightnow 🤔⁠ 📷: @hallmark

When you become a mother you realize how much your...

View
12418 206
Open
When you become a mother you realize how much your When you become a mother you realize how much your mother did (or didn't do) for you. 💗 Sending love to all of the mothers, step-mothers, mother figures out there.

Happy Monday, mamas!⁠ 👋⁠
⁠
...

View
204 6
Open
Happy Monday, mamas!⁠ 👋⁠ ⁠ Lately, with e Happy Monday, mamas!⁠ 👋⁠ ⁠ Lately, with everything going on, I've been thinking a lot about mothers with newborns. 🤱 As a postpartum doula, I get the pleasure of supporting new families in their homes and helping them navigate the winding roads and highs and lows of early parenthood. But right now I know that families are bringing home their precious babies and are feeling alone more than ever. They have less physical support, which can feel like they have less emotional and informational support as well. This breaks my heart. 💔 I wish this wasn't happening to families or to our world and I wish that I could be there for these moms.⁠ ⁠ That's why today, I am hopping on our stories and answering YOUR questions. Since I can't be there PHYSICALLY to help you with your pregnancy and newborns, I want you to know that I am here virtually for you. How can I help?⁠ ⁠ {I've left a question box in our stories. Have a question about your postpartum recovery? About your newborn? About breastfeeding? Bottle-feeding? You name it! I've been helping mothers as a birth doula and postpartum doula for 10 years and I am here for you.💕}⁠ 📷: @creativeclicksphotography

Okay, grandma. 🙄⁠
📷: unknown

View
1643 54
Open
Okay, grandma. 🙄⁠ 📷: unknown Okay, grandma. 🙄⁠ 📷: unknown

To the mamas, papas, dreamers, visionaries, SAHMs,...

View
6984 41
Open
To the mamas, papas, dreamers, visionaries, SAHMs, To the mamas, papas, dreamers, visionaries, SAHMs, etc. out there, kudos to you! For going so hard, for not quitting even on the worst days, even on the tired days, even on the days you don't know how you're going to do it, or don't feel like you can. You know it's okay to have some patience, grace, and forgiveness with yourself, right?⁠ .⁠ Our children are the future. I had to learn to give myself some grace. Sometimes when I evaluate where I am in life and see that I'm not exactly where I want to be or could've been frustrates me, or gets me down. I'm so hard on myself. But then I realized if the ONLY good thing I've done or successfully done is raise great children, I am in fact doing well!! *Parents, it's so important how we raise our children, and many of you KNOW that is not an easy task.⁠ .⁠ There are so many different aspects on this one topic. First, their confidence, self-love, etc. is so important. They need to know who they are, so when they encounter times and people that aren't so kind they are not completely crushed.⁠ .⁠ Secondly, think about who you're putting into the world. Do you remember your heartbreak(s), or some of the sh*%$y people you've come across and thought who raised them? Or even when you encountered a child that needed a hug or just some TLC. It's important!⁠ .⁠ Thirdly, but not least, for the dreamer or the visionary . . . Yes, we are working so hard for our dreams and goals. And one day we may achieve them, but our building and growing may also be in the building for our children. As we are building a future for them. Show yourself a little love. ❤️"⁠ Words & 📷: @tanishasnell_

"On my headstone, I hope they write, ...

View
1794 53
Open
"On my headstone, I hope they write, 'Here lies a "On my headstone, I hope they write, 'Here lies a devoted mother who suffocated under her enormous laundry pile.' #kiddingnotkidding⁠ .⁠ I'm trying to be more mindful about laundry and use it as a meditation practice (my main squeeze Thich Nhat Hanh talks about washing your dishes like you're bathing baby Buddha. 😊) Sometimes I can do it and feel grateful and grounded (I find cloth diapers particularly soothing for some reason. 🤷‍♀️) And sometimes I consider just turning our living room into one huge laundry pile and letting everyone forage for their clothes each morning. #wildstyle⁠ .⁠ So tell me, wise women of the world--how do you do laundry? Are you a load-a-day type or do you wait until it piles up and tackle it all at once?"⁠ Words & 📷: @spiritysol

It's called balance. And motherhood. And ...

View
1138 24
Open
It's called balance. And motherhood. And it's the It's called balance. And motherhood. And it's the weekend. 💁‍♀️🤪 Cheers!

Want to jazz up breakfast or lunch for the kids ...

View
1453 51
Open
Want to jazz up breakfast or lunch for the kids (o Want to jazz up breakfast or lunch for the kids (or yourself 😉) in an easy way? Animal Face Toast! 😍⁠ Pop an emoji for your favorite animal!🐱🦉🦊🐻🐷🐵⁠ 📷: @weelicious

Staying safe for mom and baby has never been ...

View
1074 18
Open
Staying safe for mom and baby has never been tough Staying safe for mom and baby has never been tougher than it is now. 😷 Shout out to all the pregnant moms and moms with newborns!! You are amazing. 🙇‍♀️ You are strong. 💪 And our hearts are with you. ❤️⁠ 📷: @themommaprentice

The Ultimate List of Grandma Names 👵⁠
...

View
397 18
Open
The Ultimate List of Grandma Names 👵⁠ ⁠.⁠ The Ultimate List of Grandma Names 👵⁠ ⁠.⁠ When I found out I was pregnant, one of the many things I began to wonder was, "What are my parents and in-laws going to go by as their grandparent names?" Grandparents are not just going with the classic "Grandma and Grandpa" names anymore. Some are now getting creative and are coming up with new ideas. If your mother or mother-in-law are unsure of what they want their special Grandma names to be, we're sharing our ultimate list of over 100 Grandma names to choose from!⁠ ❤️ ⁠{Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ 📷: @newmommy_in_city

FOR REAL. 🤦‍♀️😑⁠
📷: ...

View
850 45
Open
FOR REAL. 🤦‍♀️😑⁠ 📷: @alyceoneword FOR REAL. 🤦‍♀️😑⁠ 📷: @alyceoneword

Mommas . . . have you stopped to take a moment for...

View
496 21
Open
Mommas . . . have you stopped to take a moment for Mommas . . . have you stopped to take a moment for yourself, take a breath, or take a sip of water yet? This is your friendly reminder. ❤️ Whether you are pregnant, a new mom or a mom with little (or big) ones running around the house, take a minute for yourself right now and drink a big sip of water. If you have a headache from your toddler screaming, feeling sluggish from the lack of sleep, cloudy from your neverending to-do list, or hungry because of pregnancy or just because, this will help. So take a sip. Your body and mind will thank you for it! 🙏

Do you agree?? 😳😂⁠
📷: ...

View
2809 73
Open
Do you agree?? 😳😂⁠ 📷: @surrounded.by.bo Do you agree?? 😳😂⁠ 📷: @surrounded.by.boys

😯😯🤣🤣🤣🤣 *sip sip*⁠
📷: ...

View
1510 77
Open
😯😯🤣🤣🤣🤣 *sip sip*⁠ 📷: unknow 😯😯🤣🤣🤣🤣 *sip sip*⁠ 📷: unknown

Episiotomies: Are They Still a Thing?⁠ ...

View
631 140
Open
Episiotomies: Are They Still a Thing?⁠ 😳😬⁠ ⁠ "My birth plan was all typed out and edited. 📃 I'd read everything I could about the pros and cons of typical birth procedures. I wanted skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible, I wanted my partner to clip the cord after it stopped pulsing, and I did not want a routine episiotomy.⁠ 🙅‍♀️ ⁠ The contractions started so close together that there was no waiting time. The nurses did not believe they were as close as I was reporting. 😖 My partner and I were trying to play cards on the bed, but I was worried. Every two minutes, like clockwork, another contraction waved over me. 'Go for a walk, dear. It will be a while yet,' a nurse told me without any physical check. I got up and tried to go for a walk but was stopped by a single very sharp contraction. 😧 Then I went to the washroom and got sick. 🤢 I knew I was in transition.⁠ ⁠ On the bed, ready to push, an elderly doctor entered the room. 👨‍⚕️ He walked up to me, picked up a scalpel, and immediately sliced a small incision in my perineum. ✂️ At the time, it didn't seem relevant. I was about to become a mother! In only two pushes and a total of two hours of labor from the first contraction, I was holding my baby. 🤱 Nothing else mattered; not even my well-crafted birth plan or the raw pain I felt meant a thing. He was here, and he was perfect.⁠ 💙 ⁠ Luckily for me, my healing process was minimal and did not result in any further complications, however, many other women are not so fortunate." Learn more about the history of episiotomies, why they are performed, and how to avoid having one. {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ Article by: ⁠Rachel MacPherson⁠

ALL. THE. TIME.⁠
That and, "I can’t ...

View
9111 258
Open
ALL. THE. TIME.⁠ That and, "I can’t believe I ALL. THE. TIME.⁠ That and, "I can’t believe I grew that." ❤️⁠ Still my greatest accomplishment. 🥰

A note from @olesiastefanko to our Baby Chick ...

View
161 1
Open
A note from @olesiastefanko to our Baby Chick audi A note from @olesiastefanko to our Baby Chick audience: How have my nutrition & workouts changed during pregnancy? 🤰💪⁠ ⁠ Each woman knows that pregnancy is one of the most important events in her life. ❤️ This wonderful process makes a lot of changes in a woman’s organism and, as it follows, in her lifestyle. And I am not an exception.⁠ ⁠ The first things that have changed are my workouts. Right now I'm at the end of my second trimester and I still workout 3 times a week, like I did before, but the intensity is much lower (about 10-20% of what it used to be).⁠ ⁠ As for my exercises, I am focused on glutes, legs, arms, and a little bit of side abs. What do my workouts usually include?⁠ - 15 reps per each exercise, all in a row for 3 rounds⁠ - rest between exercises for 10-30 sec⁠ - then rest between rounds is about 2-3 mins⁠ ⁠ Currently, I do avoid jumping & abs exercises because they feel uncomfortable and too exhausting. But if anyone still wants to do abs exercises, do not do them on a flat surface - it’s better to use a fit ball or bosu ball.⁠ ⁠ Remember that it’s safe to work out during pregnancy if you have been consistently working out before pregnancy and have clearance from your doctor. Pregnancy is very individual & depending on your and baby's health, your doctor may decide that you should avoid physical activity for some time. For example, I was unable to work out during my first trimester for about a month, but I did some light stretching and walking instead. It's important for us to all remember that we are carrying a little human inside of us and, obviously, we should think about him/her first. Do not work out if your doctor has not given you medical clearance. If you feel that you can’t do some exercises, it’s better to skip them altogether - listening to your body is very important right now.⁠ ⁠ The second main thing during pregnancy is nutrition. 🍎 First of all, I have always been against strict diets 🙅‍♀️ and my daily routine included 5 meals--eating small portions regularly throughout the day. My diet before pregnancy excluded ❌ red meat, milk, and animal fats. I followed these rules 5 days a week. (Continue reading in the comments!)

Postpartum Expectations Versus Reality⁠
...

View
721 7
Open
Postpartum Expectations Versus Reality⁠ ⁠ "Eve Postpartum Expectations Versus Reality⁠ ⁠ "Every new mom probably envisions herself swathed in a soft robe, snuggled up with her freshly-born baby. 🤱 Beautiful and glowing, she smiles as she blissfully nurses or feeds a bottle to her beautiful pink-faced baby. 🥰 These moments are precious, and they do exist, but it's more the expectation than the reality of what the postpartum experience looks like. I spoke to pediatrician Harvey Karp, baby sleep wizard, and the author of the popular book 'The Happiest Baby on the Block', about how to manage postpartum expectations versus reality, including bonding, a lack of sleep, and handling all the new responsibilities of having a newborn." {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ Article by: ⁠Rachel MacPherson⁠ 📷: @the_pettylife

Boobies leaking and fires blazing! 😵🤣⁠
...

View
1674 72
Open
Boobies leaking and fires blazing! 😵🤣⁠ 📷: @mommymemest

The Day I Realized My Kid Is Not Like Me⁠ ...

View
1005 11
Open
The Day I Realized My Kid Is Not Like Me⁠ ⁠ .⁠ "On the day I realized my kid is not like me, I could tell by the look in my daughter’s eyes that I’d breached a moral line.⁠ ⁠ My loving and kind-hearted daughter had been dealing with teasing and bullying all year. We’d been struggling to get the school and specific teachers to react in any sort of fashion that could make us feel like they cared. I’d become even more jaded as the months rolled by, and the teasing continued.⁠ ⁠ 'I made Miss Rebecca a birthday card, it’s her birthday today!' my daughter told me after school one day. My reply? 'I really don’t care about her or her birthday.' My daughter gave me that look. How could I be so cold? Her eyes searched my face for any amount of empathy or even a hint that I was sorry. I knew my face was drawn and pinched in that disapproving grimace only mothers can make.⁠ ⁠ As I looked down at her while we were walking home, my face softened. Here was this lovely empathetic little soul who only ever wanted to make sure everyone was happy and included. She didn’t deserve to be picked on because she played with the 'different' child in her classroom. She didn’t deserve to be poked and laughed at because of how easily they could make her cry. But somehow she remained this soft, sweet girl she’d always been, making a birthday card for the teacher who’d repeatedly made her feel like she was to blame for her own bullying.⁠ ⁠ My response was to get angry, get my back up, retaliate. My full mama bear mode was unleashed. But I also knew that this was my personality. I am guarded, I’m careful, and I don’t trust people. I had a lot to learn from my little girl." {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!}⁠ Article by: ⁠Rachel MacPherson⁠ 📷: @jlo

It’s going to be okay. ❤️
We will get ...

View
1106 14
Open
It’s going to be okay. ❤️ We will get throug It’s going to be okay. ❤️ We will get through this. 💪 No matter how many toddler tantrums happen or work emails come our way, breathe and take one thing at a time. 🧘‍♀️ Because our work will never be finished. 🤹‍♀️ Our inboxes will never be empty. 💻 We will always be striving for happy, healthy children, clean houses, good work done and that will never cease. 🏠 But WE make each day what it is.💕 Only we can determine our own happiness. 😊 Even though our days look far from what we expected, we need to welcome each day with a smile. Be appreciative for what we have and for our health. 🙏 So let go of how you think today or this week is supposed to go. This time is only temporary. This stage is only temporary. ⏱Look for the good, and roll with the punches. We’re in this together, apart. ❤️

Mothers are superheroes, I am convinced. ...

View
1677 26
Open
Mothers are superheroes, I am convinced. 🙌⁠ T Mothers are superheroes, I am convinced. 🙌⁠ This great image taken by @bubbapage, @jordanpage's husband, shows that taking care of kids & babies (multiples at that!) is no joke. 💪😴⁠ We salute you, mamas! You're doing better than you know. Keep loving, keep mothering, keep going. We are with you. 💗

Now this is the cutest thing I've ever seen ...

View
2690 71
Open
Now this is the cutest thing I've ever seen in a b Now this is the cutest thing I've ever seen in a bedroom for three girls. 😍⁠ ⁠ 💤 Sleep Tips for Kids!⁠ 💤⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ Have a bedtime routine.⁠ A regular bedtime routine starting around the same time every night encourages good sleep patterns for kids.⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ Have some relaxation-time before bedtime⁠.⁠ Have your children wind down by reading a book, listening to gentle music, or practicing breathing for relaxation.⁠ This will help their minds and their bodies to go to sleep.⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ Be consistent with your child's awake and sleep times.⁠ Keep your child’s bedtimes and wake-up times within 1-2 hours of each other each day. This helps to keep your child’s body clock in a regular pattern.⁠ ⁠ 4️⃣ Eat the right amount at the right time⁠.⁠ Make sure your child has a satisfying evening meal at a reasonable time. Feeling hungry or too full before bed can make your child more alert or uncomfortable since their body is either hungry or trying to digest. Either can make it harder for her to get to sleep.⁠ ⁠ 5️⃣ Keep older children’s naps early and short⁠.⁠ Most children stop napping at 3-5 years of age. If your child is over five-years-old and is still napping during the day, try to keep the nap to no longer than 20 minutes and no later than early afternoon. Longer and later naps can make it harder for children to get to sleep at night.⁠ ⁠ 6️⃣ Check noise and light in your child’s bedroom⁠.⁠ A quiet, dimly lit space is important for good sleep. Check whether your child’s bedroom is too light or noisy for sleep.⁠ ⁠⁠ 7️⃣ Make sure your child feels safe at night⁠.⁠ If your child feels scared about going to bed or being in the dark, you can praise and reward her whenever she is brave. Some children with bedtime fears feel better when they have a night light or sound machine.⁠ ⁠ Hope you guys are having a great weekend and are getting plenty of sleep! 🙏❤️⁠ 📷: @tyson_moore