Reflecting on the birth of my son Rye in 2016, it strikes me how distant that era feels. It was a time brimming with optimism—Obama was in office, and there was a palpable buzz about Hillary Clinton potentially following him as president. As a Black woman, I experienced a brief yet intoxicating sense of visibility
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Becoming a parent brings a host of surprises, but few are as perplexing as when your once-adventurous toddler suddenly adopts a stance of stubbornness at mealtimes. One moment, they are happily consuming a variety of pureed foods and assorted fruits; the next, your lovingly prepared meals wind up untouched and/or thrown across the floor. This
The day comes when a child disappears into the throng of bustling students, their small frame dwarfed by larger backpacks and confident strides. This moment—a first-day event—signals not just a new chapter for the child but for the mother as well. Watching your child embark on their kindergarten journey is undoubtedly a paradox of emotions,
Reuniting with old friends often stirs up a whirlwind of emotions. Recently, I attended a holiday party where I encountered a dear friend from my past—an individual with whom I shared the bustling environment of a banking career as a young analyst. Our annual meet-ups at these parties have morphed into a cherished tradition, where
The moment you discover you are expectant is often laced with anticipation and curiosity. Many parents envision the scenario of learning their child’s sex, caught in a flurry of excitement and ideas. I recall the time when my obstetrician called while I was with my mother. Instead of sharing this news with my husband directly,
Secondary infertility can be a profound and often isolating experience for many couples longing to expand their families. Unlike primary infertility, where individuals struggle to conceive for the first time, secondary infertility presents a bewildering emotional landscape for those who have already successfully given birth. This condition can leave parents grappling with feelings of inadequacy,
As I near the culmination of bringing you into this world, an effervescent blend of excitement and trepidation fills my being. These final weeks are laden with anticipation, yet they also evoke a desire for preservation; to cradle you safely in my womb just a while longer. Parenthood carries with it an undeniable weight of
The announcement of pregnancy is often seen as a moment of joy, a cause for celebration within families and among friends. However, this moment can also be fraught with the tension of potential loss. Recent news surrounding Britney Spears’ heartbreaking miscarriage resonates deeply with many who have walked this path, reflecting the complexity and vulnerability
Growing up, many of us form specific ideals about family size, often influenced by our own childhood experiences. For my husband and I, coming from small families, the dream of a bustling household, one filled with laughter and chaotic gatherings during holidays, was very appealing. As our family dynamics shifted with the ages of our
Embarking on the journey to motherhood can often feel like a tumultuous voyage, especially for single mothers who choose to walk this path alone. The emotional intensity of trying to conceive (TTC) not only alters one’s perception of hope and despair but also compels a person to confront a spectrum of feelings that can change