Category: conception
- 
		
		
		Things from My First Year of Motherhood I Won’t Feel Guilty AboutAt home insemination When I was expecting, I envisioned the blissful moments of early parenthood. I imagined a smooth labor experience, effortless breastfeeding, and a flat tummy after giving birth. However, the reality of motherhood is chaotic, unpredictable, and filled with tough decisions. Here are some things from my inaugural year of being a mom… 
- 
		
		
		A Mother’s Photo with Santa While Breastfeeding Sparks ControversyAt home insemination In a surprising turn of events, a mother named Sarah Thompson found herself at the center of a heated debate after posting a playful photograph with Santa while breastfeeding her infant. What was intended as a light-hearted attempt to promote the acceptance of breastfeeding in public quickly devolved into a storm of… 
- 
		
		
		My Chosen Family Is Vital for My Family’s JoyAt home insemination Maintaining my sanity as a parent has required the support of not just one, but two distinct families. Like everyone else, I have my birth family and in-laws, but I also have a chosen family—one built on love and mutual respect rather than blood ties. While I didn’t select my biological family,… 
- 
		
		
		Navigating Sleepless Nights as My Kids Grow UpParenting At home insemination When my first child was born, I received an intense introduction to motherhood. Sore nipples, unexpected diaper disasters, and an infant who seemed to nurse around the clock made it clear that I was in for a challenging journey. My nights were spent pacing the nursery, bouncing a wailing newborn while… 
- 
		
		
		Dear Non-Divorced Friends, Let’s Rethink Parenting AdviceAt home insemination As divorce becomes increasingly common, it seems that those without firsthand experience often miss the unwritten guidelines of navigating life as a co-parent. Regularly, I encounter frustrating comments and suggestions from people who haven’t walked this path. While I wouldn’t wish the complexities of divorce on anyone, I do wish for a… 
- 
		
		
		No One Can Agree on the Value of a BabysitterParenting Insights The Value of Babysitting: An Ongoing Debate At home insemination Updated: April 13, 2023 Originally Published: April 13, 2023 It’s time for a reality check: What is a reasonable wage for a babysitter? My partner and I rarely enjoy a night out by ourselves—not because we don’t want to, but because the financial… 
- 
		
		
		Postpartum Care: The Essential “Down There” Items You Didn’t Know You NeededAt home insemination Attention, expectant mothers! As you prepare for your new arrival, don’t forget that the items you include in your postpartum care kit are just as crucial as those adorable baby essentials on your registry. While your cozy pregnancy pillow will undoubtedly be your best friend during sleepless nights, a well-stocked postpartum kit… 
- 
		
		
		When You’re a Lonely Mom Struggling to Fit InAt home insemination It’s a challenge to be the solitary mom who feels disconnected from conventional parenting circles. I find myself in the role of the lonely mom. It’s not that I lack common ground with others; we share experiences. I have three children, aged 9, 7, and 5, who are navigating their own developmental… 
- 
		
		
		The Tooth Fairy: A Parenting DisappointmentAt home insemination Updated: Aug. 20, 2015 Originally Published: Feb. 1, 2015 Last night, the Tooth Fairy failed to show up again, and this has become a recurring issue. My daughter, Emma, had been eagerly awaiting the loss of her loose bottom tooth for weeks. For nearly two weeks, she’d been wiggling it, pulling at… 
- 
		
		
		Wearing My Emotions on My SleeveAt home insemination I have a tendency to wear my emotions on my sleeve, making it impossible to hide what I truly feel. Whether it’s delight over a thoughtful gift or discomfort over an unflattering outfit, my facial expressions give me away. This became painfully clear during the recent announcement of the Mother of All…