Birth Stories

Birth Stories Special Projects Ubuntu Mama Stories

Hope comes in the morning

One night, after the birth of my second little girl, the words from the song “You’re gonna be ok”, by Jen Johnson were running through my thoughts while I stood in the shower. So many emotions washed over me, love, loss and relief and need and excitement all at once.…

Shane Sylvia CronjeApril 25, 2020

Birth Stories Rainbow Babies Ubuntu Mama Stories

A brave Mama shares her story of loss and her sunshine through the storm.

My UB story is a little different. I didn't learn about UB before having a baby... or while I was pregnant, but only after I lost my baby girl. My daughter passed away at 10 weeks old in May 2017, just before Mother's day, making Mother's day a very difficult…

Mihlalikazi KumaloJune 5, 2019

Birth Stories Infertility

I was that 1 in 8… The hardships of infertility.

#TheAndersonTwins. They didn’t just happen. It was a long, long road. When I reflect back on my life, it was one of two of the longest, hardest and unending paths I’ve walked that will forever shape my life. I was that 1 in 8. Five years. Five rounds of IVF. Fibroids. Endometriosis. Adenomyosis. Surgery. A miscarriage... and that’s…

Wisaal AndersonOctober 8, 2018

Birth Stories Motherhood

Reflecting on my “failures”

We very recently celebrated Zoë's second birthday, and of course, together with the joy of celebrating this beautiful milestone, comes a time of bittersweet reflection. I am looking back on 2 years of mistakes, failures, achievements and successes of being a mom. I wrote the piece on my birth experience…

Marinda De JonghJuly 30, 2018

Birth Stories

Coming to terms with my story

Photo by Annie Kruyer. Boobs, sex, birth stories. You might be thinking these are 3 weird subjects to put together. But hear me out. So before I had a baby I loved my boobs. When I fell pregnant, I loved my boobs even more. 2 extra cup sizes? Yes please!…

Shannon McLaughlinJuly 25, 2017

Birth Stories Special Projects Ubuntu Mama Stories

Journey to Motherhood

I often think back on our newborn days and remember being in the midst of it all, thinking that this was my life forever and I'd never find my way to happiness again. Everyone kept saying how quickly they grow, and I felt like I was stuck in some time…

Shannon McLaughlinJanuary 16, 2017

Birth Stories Encouragement

To the Mom who didn’t get the birth that she hoped for

I see it. I know it. That look in your eyes... There's no hiding that grief and disappointment that comes with not getting the birth you dreamed for. You say you're okay, that things are getting better. And you know with time you'll heal. But I see your anger, I see you…

Shannon McLaughlinOctober 14, 2016