post natal depression

Motherhood

When motherhood feels like too much

Motherhood is a big change, you will never be the person you once were, and that's ok. But it takes a while sitting in between who you were and who you've become to be really happy inside. When I first had my babe I felt overwhelmed, unsure and had no…

Samantha AitkenJuly 3, 2017

Fourth Trimester

Dear diary: a glimpse into life with a newborn

While doing some late night admin and cleaning up my computer, I found a file with some notes in it from when my son was really small. I don't even remember writing half of the stuff in there, but this one was a pretty good reminder of what my life…

Shannon McLaughlinApril 11, 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

Motherhood

It was all worth it, for this one moment.

My best friend is currently 38 weeks pregnant. I see her cute big bump as she waddles around uncomfortably, waiting... and waiting... I remember those days. They seemed to go on forever and ever. I remember thinking to myself: "Just arrive already! Let's do this baby!" But I don't think anyone can…

Shannon McLaughlinApril 20, 2016

Fourth Trimester Motherhood

Why you come first (and how I learnt that the hard way)

Last week I went to visit a brand new mama friend of mine whose twins are 12 weeks old. They were born at just 31 weeks, so they are still really teeny and needing their mama 24/7. We had a really good chat and while twin number 1 slept peacefully…

Shannon McLaughlinMarch 9, 2016

Encouragement Lessons Learned

Overcoming fear & self doubt

2015 has definitely been a huge year for me personally. My little Leo was born in August 2014 and I wasn't quite ready for everything that came with being a Mama. New Years eve 2014 was an emotional one. I was home alone with my little man who refused to…

Shannon McLaughlinDecember 21, 2015

Health & Wellness

How to make peace with your post-baby jelly-belly

I remember the day that I knew something wasn’t quite right with my tummy. I had just had a hot shower and the area around my belly button region was so blotchy and red and just felt like jelly. I knew something was wrong, being 12 weeks postpartum and still…

Shannon McLaughlinAugust 3, 2015

Postnatal Depression

How I enjoyed my post natal depression

Bringing your baby home for the first time is an indescribable feeling. This little person that has been living inside you for a whole 9 months is suddenly on the outside, and they’re a real little human being with real little eyes and eyelashes. And they even come with a…

Shannon McLaughlinFebruary 24, 2015