Dear new mama, if only you could glimpse the beauty I perceive. It’s understandable that you might feel like a stranger to yourself right now. When I first entered motherhood, I found myself staring at a reflection I no longer recognized. The body I once inhabited appeared foreign and unwelcoming. I saw stretch marks that
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For many of us, the relationship with our bodies starts as a tenuous journey. During my teenage years, I found myself navigating the awkward waters of self-image and societal expectations. The world has a unique way of labeling individuals, often resorting to oversimplifications like “big-boned.” At the time, this terminology felt like a defining characteristic,
Becoming a parent is often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions, hopes, and, sometimes, unrealistic expectations. When I was pregnant, I spent countless hours visualizing the joyous arrival of my daughter and determining how to cope with the inevitable sacrifices. I braced myself for the sleepless nights and the personal time I would have to
As I delved into the treasures tucked away in the “important things” box today, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Located under my bed, the box contained a collection of cherished artifacts: artwork, birthday cards, and sentimental trinkets. Yet, nothing was as poignant as the discovery of your hospital bracelet—the first physical token of
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
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,