A Pregnancy to Motherhood Resource by The Baby Chick

Author: Kristen v.H. Middleton

Kristen v.H. Middleton is a former school teacher & administrator turned stay-at-home-mom. She lives with her husband and children in eastern Washington.

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infertility

pregnancy

postpartum

motherhood

motherhood

parenting

pregnancy

health

health

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My Favorite Cloth Diapering Systems 👶⁠
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My Favorite Cloth Diapering Systems 👶⁠ .⁠ T My Favorite Cloth Diapering Systems 👶⁠ .⁠ Think diaper changing is straight forward and simple? Not so fast for the cloth diapering mamas. While cloth diapers generally save us quite a bit of cash after that initial investment 💰, it does require a bit of a process, and a good cloth diapering system, to make it less time-consuming. The good news? Once you have it down and have the right tools on hand, it doesn’t have to be all that difficult at all. 🙌 Here are some favorite cloth diapering systems (and tips) that make diaper changes (and cleaning) way more manageable.⁠ {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rebecca Jacobs⁠ 📷: @thetuckertribe5⁠

Yes, Yes, YES!!! ❤️

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Yes, Yes, YES!!! ❤️ Yes, Yes, YES!!! ❤️

Sometimes a good soak in the tub with some bath ...

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Sometimes a good soak in the tub with some bath sa Sometimes a good soak in the tub with some bath salts, a face scrub, and some cucumber slices can make your day. 😍⁠ 📷: @jhonnycurran

First of all, we think all moms are incredible. ...

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First of all, we think all moms are incredible. 💕 Today’s shoutout goes to the career moms. We know the struggles because we are you. May this weekend bring you all rest, peace, and joy. 🥰 Sending out all of the love and respect! 🙇‍♀️ (quote via @beyonce)

You Can't Spoil a Baby, Here's Why ...

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You Can't Spoil a Baby, Here's Why 👶💕⁠ .⁠ The battle of opinions regarding whether or not you can spoil a baby has been raging for decades, especially among grandparents and those born during the time of little affection. Our children's great-grandparents were most likely raised with the idea that love and affection and responding to a baby's cries will spoil them and make them even fussier. While that idea might seem ludicrous to us, there's a reason such an approach was widely believed. Here's what parenting has looked like over the decades and how present-day science says you cannot spoil a baby. ❤️ {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rachel MacPherson⁠ 📷: @trinitysierra

They repeat what we do. Show them love. Love for ...

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They repeat what we do. Show them love. Love for o They repeat what we do. Show them love. Love for others and for yourself. ❤️⁠ 📷: @fleurdelisspeaks⁠ Her stuff is great. Check out her page!

What Happens to a Woman's Brain When She ...

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What Happens to a Woman's Brain When She Becomes a What Happens to a Woman's Brain When She Becomes a Mother? 🧠❤️⁠ .⁠ Most women who have had children are fully aware of the hormonal and emotional changes that they experience. However, science is only just starting to understand how these changes occur in human mothers’ brains. While mothers know what it feels like to experience these changes, most of us don't know exactly what happens to a woman's brain when she becomes a mother. Turns out, a lot is happening! 😲 {Click 🔗 in bio to read more about it!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rachel MacPherson⁠ 📷: @emfillerup

You may think that you are helping them by doing ...

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You may think that you are helping them by doing e You may think that you are helping them by doing everything for them. But there comes a time when they need to learn how to do things for themselves. ⁠ "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime." The same rule applies.⁠ We want our kids to be strong, independent, self-reliant, and successful. They learn quickly what they can get away with. Teaching them kindness and a good work ethic from the beginning goes a long way. ❤️⁠ Put the hard work in now and watch them bloom into a strong and independent adult later. 💪 (Quote via @relaxingmommy)

However you choose to feed your baby, your baby ...

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However you choose to feed your baby, your baby an However you choose to feed your baby, your baby and your opinion are all that matter. If you choose and are able to breastfeed, feed your baby anywhere and everywhere HOWEVER you want to . . . with or without a cover. You have rights, mama. No need to explain or cover yourself for anybody if you don't want to. 💕⁠ 📷: @phoenixandtheocean

5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Potty ...

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5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Potty Training⁠ 🚽⁠ .⁠ Let’s talk about potty training! It’s one of those monumental milestones we mamas walk through with our toddlers that make them suddenly seem like they went from babies to tiny little humans overnight. And, while it can be an exciting time (and a time to save some serious cash by ditching diapers), it can also come with lots of stress. 🙃 From cleaning up potty accidents for what may seem like days (or even weeks) to wondering if you’ll ever be able to drive further than down the block without having to stop for a potty break 🤦‍♀️, potty training can be daunting.⁠ ⁠ But, what many moms agree on is that once it’s done, you kinda forget about all the stress that came along with it. Kinda like pregnancy and giving birth —you just sort of forget about it all until you do it all over again.⁠ 🤪⁠ ⁠ Here are five things I wish I had known about potty training before I jumped into it with my then two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Because, if I had known these things, I think I would have been a bit more laid back about the whole thing! {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rebecca Jacobs⁠ 📷: @reesetriplets

How Much Does IVF Cost?⁠ 💉⁠
.⁠
In...

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How Much Does IVF Cost?⁠ 💉⁠ .⁠ In the Uni How Much Does IVF Cost?⁠ 💉⁠ .⁠ In the United States, 16.2% of married women aged 15-49 struggle with infertility. It is no surprise, then, that fertility treatments are becoming more of a necessity for couples who are faced with infertility and wish to have children. While there are many types of fertility treatments, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is one of the most commonly known options. However, the high cost of IVF is often cited as the primary obstacle to undergoing treatment. 💸 Let's take a look at what IVF entails, and how much IVF costs. {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: @kristen_vhmiddleton⁠ 📷: @lizbrownfitness

She isn't as cheerful as usual? She is being ...

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She isn't as cheerful as usual? She is being a bit She isn't as cheerful as usual? She is being a bit short with her replies back? Don't be hard on her. It more than likely has nothing to do with you. You never how many times her kids got her up last night. 😴 #bekindalways 🖌: @growupbrite

You're the reason that I breathe but also the...

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You're the reason that I breathe but also the reas You're the reason that I breathe but also the reason that I am out of breath. 😉🤪😂 #momlife

You're My Baby Forever, But My Newborn for ...

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You're My Baby Forever, But My Newborn for Now⁠ You're My Baby Forever, But My Newborn for Now⁠ 💕⁠ .⁠ When I had my first baby, everyone told me to enjoy the newborn stage because it goes fast, and I would miss it. But I was so exhausted and overwhelmed I didn’t believe them. 😴 While I was living through it, it felt like it took forever!⁠ ⁠ If you are there now or about to enter this stage, it’s a yummy, delicious, snuggly stage. But for me, it has always been one of the harder ones, every time I go through it. So I see and feel you, mama! It’s physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. Hold tight, though, because it doesn’t last forever.⁠ ⁠ So, while you are struggling to keep your eyes open, and your mental state together, here are a few things to try to savor while your baby is still a newborn. {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rebecca Guez⁠ 📷: unknown

Daddy Chronicles: Breastfeeding 💙⁠
by ...

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Daddy Chronicles: Breastfeeding 💙⁠ by @chroni Daddy Chronicles: Breastfeeding 💙⁠ by @chroniclesofdaddy⁠ ⁠ I've been asked so many questions by men about fatherhood. So I figured I'd drop some knowledge on my fellow Dads and soon-to-be-Dads. Here's what it looks like for the first few weeks or months after your child is born. Yup. If mom breastfeeds they pretty much are tucked like this and at times you'll wonder "what is there for me to do?" Here are my top 5 tips for any Dad after your child is born.⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ For night feedings. When mom wakes up in the middle of the night, you get up and ask if she needs any help or water. The truth is most of the time she will say no but just the fact that you offered will go far.⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ Ask mom if she can pump and then pick 1 feeding that you will always do. Mom will take on almost everything and will burn herself out if you let her. At times you may have to force her to rest without worrying about the baby. This is an easy way to do that without a fight.⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ Don't put a time limit on how long mom breastfeeds the baby. It's not just about feeding your child it's about them bonding as well. I know everyone has a different length of time they will breastfeed and as a Dad, it's hard to fully understand. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try and rush this process. It's not our place and it's not safe. You will open yourself up to a fight you can't win.⁠ ⁠ 4️⃣ Be patient. I know as a Dad the first few weeks we are equally excited and yet not as important. Your time will come faster than you know. Babies grow fast and the stronger and bigger they get the more Daddy Time will be coming your way.⁠ ⁠ 5️⃣ Paternity leave! If you have it TAKE IT. The early stages of a child's life are not just for moms to enjoy. I know as men making the money especially after having a baby it's hard, but trust me. You can always make money but there are no instant replays in life. It doesn't make you more of a man to not take the leave. It's equally as important that you as a Dad get to be a part of the early development of your child. ⁠ If someone needs this info tag them ❤️⁠ ...⁠ Absolutely love these tips from @chroniclesofdaddy. 🙌

7 Postpartum Yoga Poses That Strengthen Your Body ...

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7 Postpartum Yoga Poses That Strengthen Your Body 7 Postpartum Yoga Poses That Strengthen Your Body After Baby 🧘‍♀️⁠ .⁠ The postpartum period, or period of recovery that takes place after a mother gives birth, is an important time for mothers to take care of themselves. 🥰 Typically, if you’re less than 6 weeks postpartum you don’t want to put any pressure on your core muscles. Also, your body’s levels of relaxin, the hormone that loosens joints to prepare for childbirth, is elevated for 3-6 months after childbirth, and longer if you are breastfeeding. All this means is: take these postpartum yoga poses slowly and stretch yourself gently. No gymnastics here or pushing beyond what is comfortable.⁠ ⁠ Remember, every mama’s body is different, so listen to how you feel and seek advice from a medical professional if you have questions about how and when to begin your personal exercise plan. Note: Try to do the following yoga poses in the order they are listed. {Click 🔗 in bio to see the 7 yoga poses to strengthen your body after baby!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: @kristen_vhmiddleton⁠ 📷 taken by: @allisonermon_photography

It's been one of those days. 😑⁠
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It's been one of those days. 😑⁠ 📷: @kristy It's been one of those days. 😑⁠ 📷: @kristyndingman

🙋‍♀️😂😂😂⁠ 🚜
What are ...

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🙋‍♀️😂😂😂⁠ 🚜 What are some st 🙋‍♀️😂😂😂⁠ 🚜 What are some strange things you do as a #boymom or #girlmom?

It doesn't happen often but when it does, ...

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It doesn't happen often but when it does, it's mag It doesn't happen often but when it does, it's magic.⁠ ✨🤩 📷: @realtoughdad

All I want is a slumber party with my mom squad. ...

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All I want is a slumber party with my mom squad. 💁‍♀️ These gorgeous mamas from @influencingincolor (Nikki, Meghan, Shay & Brandy) are #momgoals 🔥🔥🔥❤️⁠ 📷: @influencingincolor

Holy summer . . . it's hot already. Any ...

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Holy summer . . . it's hot already. Any pregnant m Holy summer . . . it's hot already. Any pregnant mamas relate?! ⁠ 📷: @mamastillgotit_

Potty Training Tips! A step-by-step guide ...

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Potty Training Tips! A step-by-step guide 🚽⁠ Potty Training Tips! A step-by-step guide 🚽⁠ .⁠ 1️⃣ Look for signs of readiness:⁠ - Diaper dry for at least 1-2 hours.⁠ - Pulling at their diaper when its wet or soiled.⁠ - Hiding or fidgeting when going pee or poo in diaper.⁠ - Interest in others using the potty.⁠ - Waking up with a dry diaper after naps.⁠ - Telling you when they have gone pee or poo.⁠ ⁠ Potty training is much quicker if your child is showing the above signs, but you can start before this.⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ What you will need to buy:⁠ - Toilet seat insert to place on your toilet⁠ - Steps⁠ - Underwear (at least 10 pairs)⁠ - Foldable toilet seat (for when you are out of the house)⁠ - Piddle pad (for car journeys)⁠ - Waterproof shoes such as crocs, sliders, etc. (they can be rinsed and dried)⁠ - Not necessary but helpful: flushable wipes⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ Getting yourself and your child prepared:⁠ - Talk to your child about using the potty, maybe take them into the bathroom when you go and talk them through the process (e.g. wiping, flushing, and washing hands, etc.)⁠ - Practice pulling pants or shorts up and down.⁠ - Look on YouTube with your child at some potty training stories (e.g. 'I Want My Potty' and 'Pirate Pete's Potty')⁠ - Involve your child in choosing and buying everything you need - choosing character-themed underwear is usually very exciting!⁠ - Sit your child on the potty at every diaper change, first thing in the morning and just before bed to get them used to sitting on the toilet.⁠ - Teach your child the correct vocabulary or signs needed to communicate when they need to go potty.⁠ - Make sure you have plenty of spare clothes.⁠ ⁠ 4️⃣ Let's get toilet trained:⁠ - Get your child to choose a pair of underwear and put them on.⁠ - Talk to them about using the toilet and communicating when they need to pee or poo. You can sit them on the toilet at this point if you wish.⁠ - Take your child to the toilet every 15/20 minutes. Say "let's go to the potty" rather than asking "do you want to go to the toilet" - if you ask, they are likely to say no! Also, look for signs like moving from side-to-side or hiding. These are normal signs that they might need to go potty.⁠ ⁠ (Continue reading in the comments!)

The Not-So-Easy Baby: Why Some Parents Have It ...

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The Not-So-Easy Baby: Why Some Parents Have It Har The Not-So-Easy Baby: Why Some Parents Have It Harder Than Others⁠ 😢⁠ .⁠ Why are the parents of some infants relaxed and at ease while other parents are exhausted, guilty, and frustrated with raising their new infant? 😞 Is it because of their parenting skills or is it due to something else? Why do some parents have not-so-easy babies? {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Dr. Robert J. Hudson, M.D.

We haven't been in a restaurant in a long ...

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We haven't been in a restaurant in a long time but We haven't been in a restaurant in a long time but I know that whenever we all get through this time and can gather together with our friends again, a lot of love and laughter will be happening. 😬🤣🤣🤣⁠ 📷: @maryfairyboberry

Helpful Parenting Tips for Enneagram Type 3 Moms: ...

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Helpful Parenting Tips for Enneagram Type 3 Moms: Helpful Parenting Tips for Enneagram Type 3 Moms: The Achievers ⭐⁠ .⁠ Last month, we learned all about Enneagram Type 2 — Helper Moms. 💕 Today we are going to explore the world of Enneagram Type 3 moms. These Achiever Moms are the performers of the group and work hard at seeking approval in their lives. Here are some ways Achiever Moms can use their unique personalities to become the best versions of themselves as parents. Threes are known to be driven, ambitious, and image-conscious. They live for success. They fear of being worthless or failing. Here are some helpful parenting tips for enneagram type 3s. {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Lauren Flake @loveofdixie⁠ 📷: @ashton.creates

“You are my reason.⁠
⁠
You are the ...

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“You are my reason.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I “You are my reason.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I get up each morning.⁠ Even though my eyelids are as heavy as a five-ton truck.⁠ Even though all I want is to sleep in, a coffee and breakfast in bed.⁠ You are more important.⁠ You need me.⁠ For you, I would do anything.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I am finally comfortable in my own skin.⁠ Even though I am a size bigger than I used to be.⁠ Even though my boobs cannot be described as 'perky'⁠ You relied on my body.⁠ You gave it purpose.⁠ For you, I will always love it.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I now know the importance of patience.⁠ Even though I sometimes miss the fast-paced life.⁠ Even though I still get frustrated when I feel inefficient.⁠ You need me to go at your pace.⁠ You are the priority right now.⁠ For you, I slow down.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I worry more than ever.⁠ Even though I know it won't change anything.⁠ Even though it's not your fault.⁠ You are precious.⁠ You are vulnerable.⁠ For you, I will worry forever.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason I am now filled with gratitude.⁠ Even though I get sad when things do not go my way.⁠ Even though I sometimes lose sight of what I have.⁠ You are my constant reminder that I am blessed.⁠ You are the light at the end of every tunnel.⁠ For you, everything is worth it.⁠ ⁠ You are the reason that my heart is full.⁠ Even though I am grateful for our life before you.⁠ You have shown me a love like no other.⁠ You are remarkable.⁠ For you, my heart explodes.⁠ ⁠ You are my reason." ❤️ Words by @hangingwiththeheaphys 💕⁠

We love birth stories and hearing all the details ...

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We love birth stories and hearing all the details We love birth stories and hearing all the details about how each baby was born. What’s your baby’s birth story? 👶❤️ 📷: @she_plusfive

Your Child's Stomach Pain and Headaches Could...

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Your Child's Stomach Pain and Headaches Could Be A Your Child's Stomach Pain and Headaches Could Be Anxiety⁠ 💔 .⁠ Have you noticed that your child is complaining of stomach pain and headaches? Or perhaps they seem tired and irritable despite getting the correct amount of sleep? Perhaps these things are simply coincidental, but maybe they’re not. Did you know that even children suffer from anxiety disorder? In fact, the most common mental health condition in children is anxiety disorder. If you are sensing that there may be something else going on, keep reading. {Click 🔗 in bio to continue reading this mom's personal journey with child anxiety disorder.⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Katie Gibbons⁠ 📷: @lisa.boettcher

Fun Pregnancy Announcement Ideas 😍🤰⁠
...

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Fun Pregnancy Announcement Ideas 😍🤰⁠ .⁠ Fun Pregnancy Announcement Ideas 😍🤰⁠ .⁠ Few of life’s events can have you bursting at the seams as much as “we’re making a human!” will. Sharing this news with those you love, like, or just tolerate, has become easier and more instantaneous than ever with the advent of social media. These days, most moms-to-be want to share their pregnancy announcement with as many people as possible . . . and the cuter idea the better!⁠ ⁠ Here are some fun and unique pregnancy announcement ideas for you to share your incredible news. Whether you like to use humor, romance, or a sweet surprise, these ideas are some of the most picture-worthy around!⁠ ⁠{Click 🔗 in bio to see the pregnancy announcement ideas!⁠}⁠ .⁠ Article by: Rachel MacPherson⁠ 📷: @karissakayabbott

Pretty sure my mouth and nose are covered too. ...

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Pretty sure my mouth and nose are covered too. 😑😂⁠ 📷: @thedecentmother

I am a big advocate for breastfeeding. There are ...

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I am a big advocate for breastfeeding. There are s I am a big advocate for breastfeeding. There are so many AMAZING benefits for the mother and child. But you know what I am an even bigger advocate for? A mother's well-being -- her physical, emotional, and mental health!!⁠ ⁠ Sometimes we make plans and God laughs. Some of us plan to breastfeed our babies for 3 months, 6 months, a year, 2 years. Some of us meet our goals and some of us don't. (🙋‍♀️ My goal was to reach a year and made it 7 months.) Breastfeeding can be a lot more challenging than many of us expect. There can be complications along the way, the baby could have allergies, and sometimes breastfeeding or pumping can take an immense toll on a mother's mental health.⁠ ⁠ It is my firm belief that we must care for and support the new mother just as much as we care for and support the new child. 💕 While I feel there is so much value in breast milk, in my opinion, if it compromises the health of the mother, it is not worth it. As long as the baby is being fed, cared for, and loved, that is all that matters. And for the mother to grow and thrive in her new role as a parent to continue caring for her child, she needs to do what she feels is best for herself and her family. Sometimes that is not breastfeeding or pumping.⁠ ⁠ No matter your feeding experience or preference, you are a good mother. Whether your choice was made by you or made for you, you must do what is right for you and your baby. Your health (mentally, physically, emotionally) matters. ❤️