Made with 100% whole wheat flour, these “healthier” buttermilk pancakes taste absolutely delicious! Serve them with easy 2-ingredient fruit sauce!
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Moms – Book a Photo Session and Get IN the Picture
Moms – Book a Photo Session and Get IN the picture!
First, let me say, I get it! I TOTALLY do! When I was pregnant with my boys, I did not feel good about myself. I was in no mood to have photos taken of me. Once my kids were here, I was constantly taking photos of them. However, I rarely, if ever, ended up in the photos.
This article is written by Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Book a Photo Session
You may be considering booking a photo session for your little one(s) or maybe you already have one booked, so let me encourage you to PLEASE take advantage of the opportunity and get IN the picture! Take some time to get pampered. Stop by the salon for hair and makeup. Pickup a new outfit if you would like. Just be sure to invest time into making yourself feel good so that you are confident and excited to get in front of the camera.
In my studio, I pride myself in supplying a wardrobe for all my maternity and mommy clients as well as the kiddos. My mama clients always LOVE that the gowns are available to them.
I recently hosted an event this year for mommies and their babies and hair and makeup was provided! Who better to hear it from than the moms that attended this event. Here’s some of what they had to say:
Session Feedback from Moms
Angilee Said:
She made it effortless! I walked in, picked my gown, sat down and got pampered with hair and make up, which by the way, I loved the make up artist! She truly made me feel beautiful. Then once it came to pictures, I had to hold back tears, because I could already envision the outcome of the photos and knew that Angie was capturing the magic that I felt!
The slideshow was a perfect introduction to them!!! I had such anticipation for them, and it was such a special moment for me. I wasn’t in Mason’s newborn photos which I now incredibly regret. And the bond that you can see in these photos have definitely filled the void of not having photos of the bond between newborn photos. I had been looking forward to this event forever, and had been talking about it to friends family and co-workers. Angie truly touched my heart in capturing these beautiful photos and moments of my best bud and I, thank you again!
Holly Said:
It felt good to allow myself to get a little pampered and look pretty for the mommy and me event. Initially I was hesitant to participate, but I’m so glad I decided to do it! The beautiful moments Angie captured between me and my two children is something I’ll always treasure. The funny thing is I felt like that kids weren’t even cooperating for the photoshoot, but the end result proved otherwise! Thank you, Angie!
Jen Said:
Loved the event. It went smooth in my opinion. When I got there I didn’t mind waiting and enjoyed talking with other mommas. I loved hair and makeup. {When I saw the pictures,} I cried. To see how beautiful I looked in them along with how my daughters look at me. {What did this event mean to me?} It meant that for those two hours and even into the night I felt like a princess! And I got to see the way my daughters look at me when I don’t normally see that.
I can’t tell you how much the gown can change your attitude toward photos. Whether it is with me, or another photographer, I highly recommend being IN the photos for your maternity, newborn, and family sessions! I promise you won’t regret it!
So book a photo session today 🙂
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Photos By Angie Englerth
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Featured Contributor: Angie Englerth
I am Angie, a wife and mama to two sweet little boys! I’m a portrait photographer in Lancaster county capturing the journey to and through motherhood. I believe that women look the most gorgeous when pregnant and I want them to feel the same way about themselves. My goal for each maternity session is for mamas to realize just how beautiful they are. I also enjoy capturing little ones while they are still little. All the details of newborns, from the tiny toes to the milk bumps on their nose, are my absolute favorite!
- Website: angieenglerthphotography.com
- Facebook: @AngieEnglerthPhotography
- Instagram: @angieenglerthphotography
Mother’s Day Cards (free printables)
Need a last minute card for Mother’s Day? Simply print out one of these Mother’s Day Cards free printables on card stock (or plain paper), fold it in half, and write a sweet note on the inside 🙂
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Mother’s Day Cards (free printables)
MORE MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS
Check out 16 unique Etsy gifts for Mother’s Day
Get card inspiration with 70 mom quotes
Spoil mom with 101 self care ideas
Print out this free Mother’s Day card
Make mom a self care kit for all 5 senses
Shop more Mother’s Day gift ideas
And for more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Many of us have heard about the symptoms of postpartum depression and even postpartum anxiety. We are very grateful that there is increasing awareness about this topic! However, even though we know that many moms suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety, it is natural for us to brush off the symptoms when we are looking at ourselves. We chalk it up to the “baby blues”. Or we rationalize that this is just a difficult phase. We downplay how much these symptoms are truly affecting us.
But this is extremely dangerous, not to mention disheartening…
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Motherhood is Hard, but…
While motherhood is an extremely difficult journey, there should be joy along the way! Each new mom should be granted the gift of enjoying her new baby during such a special time in their life. But when that joy is missing (or fleeting), we blame ourselves instead of reaching out for help.
Please know that things could be better! That there is no harm in simply asking questions and doing some self-reflection. There can be comfort in confiding in those close to you. And it is always better to err on the side of caution (because really… who doesn’t need a little therapy?)
Help for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
The lists below provide you with some signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. We highly recommend that you send this list to your partner during your pregnancy so that they can also be aware of potential warning signs. But before we dive in to the list of symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety…
We are not medical professionals, and you should always consult your team of medical professionals before making decisions about your health. We also acknowledge that this article is not clinical data but is simply shining light and understanding on a complicated topic.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Thinking thoughts such as, “I am never going to be able to do this.” “What have I gotten myself into?” “I don’t have what it takes to be a mom.”
- Missing that magical bond that other people seem to talk about. Sure, you love your baby, but it is not what you’ve heard about.
- Feeling like your baby deserves better, and feeling guilty that you don’t feel the happiness that you thought you would.
- Having very little patience. You feel irritated, angry, or even downright rage.
- Starting to resent your partner, your friends, and even your baby.
- Completing tasks, but just going through the motions. You feel numb and empty.
- Crying all of the time, even when there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.
- Blaming yourself and feeling like a failure. You begin to think that you must just be weak, and you will be stuck in this forever.
- Feeling distant from everyone. You know that people are trying to help and connect with you, but there feels like a barrier there.
- Eating habits change. Maybe you never have an appetite or interest in food, or maybe food is the only thing that brings you comfort.
- Sleeping becomes an issue in one way or the other as well. Maybe you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep even when you’re exhausted. Or maybe you feel like you could sleep all day long.
- Struggling to remember things and stay focused. You may feel like you are in a fog and can’t handle making even small decisions.
- Trying to pick yourself up and get back on track, but it’s just not working. You may be trying to do everything you can to help yourself “snap out” of this, but you still feel much the same.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Thinking about escaping from all of this. You may have thoughts of running away, driving off the road, or finding other ways to make it all stop.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
- Unable to relax. Your mind is racing, and you can’t manage to feel calm.
- Feeling compelled to keep busy. You feel a need to stay busy and be doing something at all times.
- Worrying about everything. You feel like the world is suddenly a very dangerous place, and no matter what anyone says, you can’t be reassured.
- Eating is of no interest. You have no appetite.
- Having intruding thoughts. You are experiences scary thoughts that just pop into your head unwanted, and they often start with the phrase, “what if…”
- Not trusting yourself to be home alone with the baby. You are consistently aware of and worried about things in your home that could harm the baby.
- Unable to sleep. You are exhausted, but you just can’t get to sleep.
- Checking on things constantly. You feel compelled to check that you locked the doors, turned off the oven, or that the baby is still breathing.
- Having physical symptoms. You may be experiencing stomach trouble, headaches, or even panic attacks.
- Feeling a sense of dread. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know that something bad is going to happen.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
After reading through this list, we want to assure you that you are NOT alone! 15-20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or a combination of both; and the great news is that they are totally treatable!
Think of the person that you would feel comfortable confiding in, and then go tell them about your concerns right away. Simply tell them, “Something is just not right, and I don’t know how to fix it.” Once you take that first step, you will be able to continue on in this journey from there. Know that there is no shame in what you are going through, and there are many people out there who want more than anything to help!
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
How To Make Time for Yourself – 5 Tips for Busy, Working Moms
‘I don’t have time for this.’ ‘All I want is some time to myself.’ ‘I haven’t taken a bath in ages!’ Sounds familiar? If you have kids and a job, you probably say this or similar phrases several times a week. Do you think it’s time for a change? Then try out these five small changes that will help you figure out how to make time for yourself. Some of them can even turn former daily chores into a mindfulness practice.…
Birth Stories – Each Beautiful in Their Own Way
Each and every birth story has its own tale to tell. There are always unexpected twists and turns whether the labor goes very quickly or drags on for days! But it is the unexpected that makes the birth process and individual birth stories so beautiful.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Giving birth to your first baby is like a crash course in parenting. It is an incredibly intense, yet rewarding experience that you are responsible for, yet somehow is simultaneously out of your control.
Your birth story will be uniquely yours. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. And regardless of how that birth story plays out, it is beautiful. There are no medals given out for following your birth plan to the letter, and there should not be shame in any birth experience.
Bringing a new baby into this world should be celebrated, no matter how it happens! And we hope that you see that through the variety of experiences below…
Please note that we are not medical professionals, and you should always consult your team of medical professionals before making decisions about you and your baby’s health. We also acknowledge that this article is not sharing statistics, data, or research but is simply shining light and understanding on a complicated topic.
Non-Medicated Delivery, Pain Management, or Epidural
There is a spectrum of pain management that is available to you during labor and delivery. You can use natural ways to help breathe, walk, and focus through the pain. There are medications that will take the edge off of your pain. And there are epidurals that essentially numb the body while allowing you to stay alert and feel pressure.
No mother should be made to feel less-than for choosing any of these options. Birth is one of the most intense experiences that women get to go through, and you should choose whichever option will allow you to get through the labor process as best as you can. Consider what is most important to you, and then use that priority as a starting point.
Women’s bodies and personalities are all so different, and there is such a wide range of experiences. There are women who have progressed rapidly after being able to relax after an epidural, and there are women whose labor has stalled after receiving an epidural. There are women who felt that a natural birth was an incredible experience, while others felt that it was traumatic. Please know that there are no “right” answers here… only what is best for you! No birth stories are better than others – simply different.
[ Read: My 3 Different Childbirth Experiences ]
Home Birth, Birth Center, or Hospital Birth
Some women feel most comfortable in their own homes. They feel safe, calm, and at-ease inside their own four walls. However, there are other women that find the thought of giving birth at home terrifying. And, of course, there is the option to find a birth center that you are comfortable with as a sort of middle ground.
It is important to remember that the decision to deliver a baby at home is a very personal one. Each mother knows herself best, and it is so important to tap into your gut instinct on this decision. Birth is such a primal process that you should be where you are most comfortable and feel most taken care of! Taking in other’s birth stories can be helpful, but you still need to tune into yourself and figure out what you need most.
Of course, you should always listen to your medical professionals and take their advice under advisement. You would never want to put yourself or your baby at risk. Things don’t always go as planned, and I mean this regardless of which option you end up choosing! Every mom should at least acknowledge that things might not work out the way they hoped. How often have we heard about the poor moms that have given birth in the car on the way to the hospital? And similarly, situations can arise that require home births to seek further intervention and care.
[ Read: My Home Birth Birth Story (and why I loved it) ]
VBAC or Repeat C Section
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean and can be an option for many women who had a previous c section. However, it is not and option for all pregnancies as there can be risk factors or complications that may not allow for a safe attempt at a VBAC. Even if a VBAC could be an option, you are still able to opt for the repeat c section should you choose that route.
If you choose to try for the VBAC, it is important to surround yourself with supportive medical professionals that know your history. It is crucial to know and understand your information surrounding your first c section so that avoidable issues can be prevented and potential concerns addressed. You should also mentally and emotionally prepare yourself in case you end up needing a repeat c section.
If you opt for the repeat c section, that is completely understandable as well! If your first c section was done under emergency situations, then you can take comfort in knowing that a planned c section can be a much better experience. When you and baby are not in distress, it allows for more potential to hold them and bond with them more quickly.
And if the decision is essentially made for you, then you can take strides to come to terms with that! A VBAC may not be a safe option for you or your baby, and that is okay. As mentioned above, c sections don’t have to be a horrible experience; and you can take strides to prepare accordingly.
[ Read: My Successful VBAC with a Doula ]
All Birth stories are beautiful
Our main takeaway? Regardless of how your birth story turns out, you are not a failure. You made it through, you are incredibly strong, and you love your new baby more than anything. There are so many factors that are in play throughout the birth and labor process that it is impossible to completely predict and control it all. Take heart in knowing that whatever you decide (and whatever is decided for you) makes for a beautiful birth story.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Postpartum Body Image – Why You Should Not Expect to be “Facebook Ready” after Giving Birth
Even though Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, looked great when she stepped out of the hospital only 10 hours after delivering her daughter, IT’S NOT THE NORM! And seeing these images can be detrimental to our postpartum body image.
After the excitement of childbirth, first-time moms are often shocked to discover that their bodies don’t automatically snap back into shape immediately after their baby is born. The first thing I remember after I got home with my new baby was looking sideways in a mirror and gasping…I still looked pregnant! Was I ever going to see a flat tummy again!?! Wow, how unfair! How come I saw celebrities looking like hot babes shortly after giving birth?
Expecting yourself to be “red-carpet ready” soon after delivering your baby is unrealistic, even for most celebrities.
This article is written by Marianne Ryan PT, OCS
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Be Patient with Your Postpartum Self
It will take time for your belly to shrink no matter who you are. Realistically, it takes at least a month for your body to start to get itself back together, usually longer for most women. Right after birth your body is left with a lot of excess fluid that can take a week or two to lose and it can take a full month for your uterus to shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size. So don’t put yourself under the pressure to be “Facebook ready” right after you deliver your baby – it’s just not going to happen and you have far more important things to worry about! So do your self a favor, and don’t even try to put on your old jeans, wait.
Boost Postpartum Body Image by Steering Clear of the Scale!
Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least thirty days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I only lost a few pounds! How can that be? She weighed 8 ½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should be at least 12 pounds less, right?
Wrong!
Here is why: Right after giving birth, your body is still going through hormonal changes. The amount of fluid your body retains can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you build up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So, as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy.
Return to Exercise Gradually after Giving Birth
Most women want to get back into pre-pregnancy shape immediately after childbirth, but it is important to make a slow return to full activity. In my book, Baby Bod®, I explain the effects of pregnancy on the body, offer many more tips, and advise on the best way to get back into shape after having a baby. There is more detailed advice in Chapter 8 for moms who had a vaginal delivery while Chapter 9 gives advice to moms who had a C-section.
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Featured Contributor: Marianne Ryan
Marianne Ryan PT, OCS is a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. She is an award-winning author of the international best selling book, Baby Bod – Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat (available on Amazon), Clinical Director of MRPT Physical Therapy in New York City and a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association Media Corps. With more than 30 years’ experience, she specializes in helping women reclaim their bodies after childbirth.
- Website: mrptny.com
- Website: babybodbook.com
- Facebook: @MRPTPhysicalTherapy
Pumping Hacks: Time Saving Tips for Pumping Breast Milk Efficiently
Pumping sucks… but it doesn’t have to! I am here to share my favorite time saving pumping hacks for pumping breast milk efficiently.
For many families, pumping is an unavoidable activity. You may return to work outside the home, you’re working to increase your milk supply, or baby has special feeding needs. However, it’s no surprise that pumping can feel like a chore. But there are ways to make your pumping routine a little easier on everyone….
5 Free Ways to Help a New Mom after Baby Arrives
Newborn babies are super sweet. And they come with a lot of responsibility and work. Which is why it’s so important to help out new moms experience all of this for the first time! Below you’ll find five free ways to help a new mom…
This article is written by Lindsey Cover
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
If you’re a mom, do you remember your first pregnancy? All the excitement and anticipation of holding your sweet little one, to kiss their smooth cheeks and allow time to stand still every time you rocked them or watched them sleep?
If you have several children, you may also remember your second pregnancy being slightly (if not drastically) different than the first! Of course, your attention must be divided between your firstborn and the baby to come. You love them both dearly, but things have changed.
I clearly remember this struggle while I was pregnant with my second son. This time around, instead of focusing all my attention on researching labor techniques and breastfeeding positions, envisioning a picture-perfect nursery, registering for the “best” baby products, and asking my friends and family for advice (or receiving unwanted “advice” and personal stories), I was caught up in the day-to-day busyness of caring for and entertaining my older child. Most days, I just hoped to have one uninterrupted meal or a long shower to relax and gather my thoughts.
Check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection which offers advice, free printables, birth stories, and more!
All Moms Need Help
All moms need help from time to time—whether they’ve just entered the world of motherhood or not!
New moms may think they’ve read it all, heard it all from other moms, and have this mommy thing in the bag. But nothing can truly prepare you for the first few months of getting to know your baby and yourself as a mother.
If there’s one thing I’ve personally learned along the way, it’s this: Accept help when others offer it!
So here are five practical ways you can serve a new mom:
Visit the New Mom after Baby is Born
Let’s be honest—most people that come to visit after a new baby is born are only there to “ooh” and “ahh” over the sleepy infant, and often neglect to pay much attention to the mama! Show her you care about her friendship and ask her specifically how she’s doing before whisking her brand new baby out of her arms. Before you visit, ask her if you can pick up her favorite drink.
Help the New Mom by Bringing Her a Meal
Most new moms will not care whether you bring a home-cooked meal or takeout; they will appreciate not having to think about what’s for dinner as they adjust to their new (sleep-deprived) schedule with baby at home. Kindly check if there are any dietary restrictions for anyone in the family ahead of time. Even better than taking one meal, double your recipe and freeze one for the family to eat later!
Another helpful tool is a service like Meal Train, which is an easy, free way to encourage family and friends to bring meals on designated days! Offer to set this up for her—with meal sign-ups on the days she chooses—and then post the Meal Train link on social media or in an email to friends who know her and may be looking for a way to serve. Check out these simple delicious recipes.
Offer to Babysit as a Free Way to Help
Relieve her of having to keep older siblings entertained constantly. With a new baby in the house, older kids may be craving some undivided attention. Offer to watch the children at home or plan an activity like going to the park or movie theater to get everyone out of the house for a bit. Here are 50 easy toddler activities.
Run Errands for the New Mom while You’re Out
Check in with her often to see if there is anything she needs, then offer to pick it up for her. New moms may not want to bother anyone to ask for a small favor, or they may feel anxious about taking their newborn out to certain places. And Dad might be working or wanting some much-needed family time. Some common errands may be picking up a few groceries, returning library books, or taking older kids to school or daycare. Here are other simple ways to help others.
Encourage the New Mom to Nap and Offer to Help
They say, “sleep when the baby sleeps,” as if that is an easy rule to follow. Usually, moms wake to every breath and snore their baby makes, preventing Mom from getting quality rest. That is, if she isn’t using that time to shower, eat without interruption, or cook or clean! Ask her if you can come over so she can take a nap and catch up on needed rest. Be persistent if she doesn’t initially accept your offer!
No matter how you choose to help a new mom, they will be most grateful for any thoughtful service you can give during this crucial transition of welcoming a new baby.
For more on this topic, check out the full All About Moms collection
Featured Contributor: Lindsey Cover
Lindsey Cover is a work-at-home wife and mom of two young boys, Jadon and Owen. She blogs about affordable healthy living, money-saving methods, simple recipes, and more at SimpleSaverWife.com
- Facebook: @SimpleSaverWife
- Instagram: @SimpleSaverWife
- Pinterest: @SimpleSaverWife
Birth Stories: My 3 Different Childbirth Experiences
I am the proud mama to three little ones…. but each pregnancy, labor, delivery, and childbirth has been very different! 3 healthy births, 3 different childbirth experiences! I guess that is good for memories sake, and boy do I have some stories! But when I reflect back on everything, I have realized 4 things that I am sharing in this article…
This article is written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Every Childbirth Experience is Unique
Each and every childbirth is completely unique!
My husband and I are the pair that conceived each of our children. We delivered each of our babies at the exact same hospital (be prepared with this Hospital Bag Checklist). And yet, each of our three childbirths resulted in different childbirth experiences!
With my first pregnancy I had developed gestational diabetes, and had the worst labor experience! After over a month of inconsistent and painful contractions, several false labor starts, I finally went into full force labor. Over 15+ hours of relentless pain, and contractions that barely gave me a full minute in between to catch my breath. The actual delivery itself was also pure chaos as our little girl entered the world completely blue and unresponsive, with dozens of medical personnel running around us.
There have been three truly terrifying moments in my life, and this was one of them. Thankfully it eventually took a positive turn, and our precious baby was eventually handed to me. I truly feel that she is a miracle and was placed on this earth for a very special reason. And eight years later, she continues to bring so much joy and amazement to our family!
Second and Third Childbirth
Our second child came into this world after a difficult pregnancy, but a smooth labor and delivery.
However, he ended up spending months on medications, and spent days filled with doctor appointments. By his first birthday we were making progress, but he has been through a lot! He is our little stud that has already conquered more than most other 5-year-olds. And he has taught us more about life in the past couple of years, and challenges us everyday to be better people.
And then there is our last. I arrived at the hospital for an induction only to find out I was already in labor and dilated. After progress, stand-stills, and repeats, I finally delivered our baby when no doctor was expecting or ready…. truly eventful! Four years later he keeps us laughing and always guessing what will happen next. He was the perfect addition to our family, and nicely rounded out our family of five 🙂
What I have learned from all of this is that you can do your research, you can poll your earlier generation ladies for their stories, you can check family genetics, statistics, watch hours of birth stories, and soak up as much information as possible. However, when it comes down to it –
Each and every time, it will be different.
Stages of Childbirth
Leave your delivery expectations and plans at the door!
While pregnant with our first child, I had planned out in my mind how I wanted the entire labor, delivery, and childbirth process to go.
However, when you are in the moment, and you are watching your little one’s heart rate drop on the monitor, all plans go out the window. My only thought and focus became delivering a healthy baby! When she entered the world not making a single sound, all I now wanted was for her to be alive. Thankfully she was, but we were only moments away from having a very different outcome.
Personally I think it is best to keep your childbirth expectations low. Go into it all with an open mind, and keep your focus on just delivering your baby. However that happens, whatever needs to happen in between, please do not stress or get sidetracked. Keep the focus on your baby and the rest will play out the way it needs to. Either way, you will be delivering your baby in way or another, and you will be delivering…..eventually. But remember that at the end of this, the most important thing is that you have a baby to take home with you. And a bonus is if they are healthy.
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Instincts During Childbirth
Trust your instincts!
A mother’s intuition is not to be ignored.
While pregnant with our daughter, I had a strong feeling that the umbilical cord was around her neck. I brought this up at every single doctor appointment, and yet they always dismissed it. I was terrified for childbirth, and often begged for a c-section. Because of this, I even tried to find another doctor that would give me an elected c-section, but no one in my area would. Turns out, the cord was around her neck and literally almost hung her. My instincts were real. They were accurate. And time and time again, my instincts have been proven to be right.
The interesting thing was each of my boys were also born with the cords (more loosely) around their necks. But it was never a problem, and I never was concerned during my pregnancies. You would think after our first experience that I would have been terrified to deliver again, but I wasn’t. I had such peace that they were going to be born without the same complications, and again I was right – making me so grateful for different childbirth experiences.
Different Postpartum Experiences
Every AFTER childbirth experience is also completely unique!
No one seems to discuss the after delivery part. Maybe because there is not much nice to say about it, or maybe because looking back those moments become a bit hazy. Either way, I learned that just as every delivery can be so incredibly different, after the delivery can be just as unique. Different childbirth experiences often lead to a much different recovery process!
After delivering our first, I could barely move. I had to be assisted every time I needed to get out of bed. For three days I needed help for everything! I could not get up to use the bathroom, I could not get up to change our baby’s diaper, and I definitely could not get up to go for any strolls around the hospital. For three days I literally laid in bed. Thankfully I have an incredible husband, and had a very responsive nurse on the other end of my call button. But I was helplessly limited by immense pain, stitches, and physical limitations for weeks.
However, after both of my boys, I was much better. The second delivery took me a couple of days to heal, but within a week I was at my daughter’s preschool orientation.
After my third delivery, I was up and walking within a couple of hours. I felt like I had barely given birth! Had that been my only experience, I would never believe the stories that woman tell – the kind like my first delivery…….
Different Childbirth Experiences
From everything that I have been through, and all that I have shared, my advice is this: do your research, know your options, but keep your expectations and plans in check. Also, no matter your experience, remember to have compassion for the other moms out there! They will not all be as lucky as you. They will not all have smooth natural deliveries with healthy babies, beautiful photographs, and their pre-pregnancy jeans on when leaving the hospital, so please be kind!
Labor and Delivery is truly an incredible achievement, no matter how it happens!
Read more pregnancy and birth stories:
My Home Birth, and Why I Loved It
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Co-Owner: Karissa Tunis
Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of both the parenting website Adore Them and the family event company Milestone Family Expos. Through these ventures she is able to share inspiring, heartfelt insight with large audiences within local communities and across the country! Her knack for all-things-organization allows her to balance content creation, brand partnerships, and event planning without losing sight of what she wants for her own family. Despite her busy schedule, Karissa also makes it a priority to spend quality time with her husband and three children. You will often find her volunteering at her children's schools, cheering them on from the soccer sidelines, or enjoying the great sites of Charleston, SC with her family.
Contact: Karissa@AdoreThem.com
