I chose to respect (if that is the word) her napping time, her early lunch schedule, her early bedtime. I often left my showers or waxing behind. Then I went back to work. Then I took care of more issues. No, I did not go on carefree holidays thinking that the time with my newborn was sacred. I actually most often have thought that that time was exhausting.
Read MoreThere hasn't really been an "us" for the first two years. There has always been, on the contrary, a clear, strong, self-affirmative "her". Even before she was born: her legs kicking all over my tummy, her jumps of fear when I would place my hands under that noisy automatic hand-dryer she didn't like. Her hiccups, rhythmic like a gentle tennis match, her disappointment when I would sleep on the side she didn't want me to.
Read MoreMaria Elena was born at home. In the most perfect way. I think my dad helped. He even made sure it was on a Saturday morning and the bakery was open so we could all have croissants while the sunlight streamed in through the windows. And there they were, the same feelings of awe that I felt at my dad’s passing, I felt at Maria Elena’s birth. Everyone was quiet, we knew the moment was sacred, we knew something big had just happened. I wondered where she came from, I reassessed my life. Gave thanks for my babies and my husband and for each breath I take.
Read MoreI was going, I couldn’t stop. Energy came from somewhere inside me, even when it seemed endless. I remember that, ironically enough, the only word I said in between pushes was “Mamma.”
Read MoreOne particular passage in this book was about a mother who couldn't understand why her baby cried during their entire massage, every time. The author asked about her baby's daily routine, and found out that she and her baby spent most of the day apart.
Read MoreI read this book when my two kids were really small, and I started applying what I learned right away. The methods that the authors suggest for helping each child feel special and understood are still effective for me 6 years later.
Read MoreThe Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, a publication by La Leche League, is a must have for breastfeeding mothers!
Read MoreI enjoyed chatting with midwife and lactation consultant Amberley about breastfeeding frequently asked questions. Here is our recorded interview. Thank you Amberley!
Read MoreSo maybe we can embrace postpartum, embrace life as a parent, asking for help when we need it, giving thanks for this grand opportunity to grow and learn and rethink some of the rules and customs of our grandparents. We might even (gasp!) change a few things. Because, yes, sleeping in on weekends and having alone time was really wonderful and luxurious, but with the right kind of support system, postpartum can be amazing, too.
Read MoreSarah explains how the nervous system is like a cup, and how every experience that we go through fills our cup. When our cup is full, we are more susceptible to trauma.
Read MoreDownload this children’s book for free! I wrote it for you to read with your breastfeeding toddler. Weaning from breastfeeding is not “breaking a bad habit.” It’s transition time, and I hope this book can help as you and your toddler grow and change together.
Read MoreShe thought she knew her limits. She thought she knew what she was capable of, but this birth showed her that she was capable of even more. She had achieved more than she ever thought possible.
