Browsing Category

MOTHERHOOD

  • INSPIRING, MOTHERHOOD, THOUGHT-PROVOKING

    WHY I ALIGN MYSELF WITH THE MOON

    It may be a bit woo-woo for some but it's no secret I love all things astrology and moon-related, so this list from Jenna grabbed me. After the births of her two daughters, Jenna was feeling lost and unsure of who she was beyond being a mum. But having always been drawn towards the moon she decided to explore this further and it's no understatement to say it changed her life…

  • MENTAL HEALTH, MOTHERHOOD, PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABY'S, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, USEFUL

    DEALING WITH SCARY, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS

    Have you ever had the urge to jump in front of a train as it goes through the station? Or stood at the top of the stairs and wonder what would happen if you dropped your baby? These thoughts sound extreme and disturbing, but as Dr Caroline Boyd explains, they're actually incredibly common. But because of the shame we feel around them, we're silenced. And actually, what we really need to do is talk about them, which can bring huge relief…

  • EMOTIONAL, MOTHERHOOD

    THE LOSS OF AN ADULT CHILD

    I grew up in the village where Ninette and her family lived, so when she sent over her list about losing her son Tosh, I was utterly heartbroken for her. The death of a child is incomprehensible and, as she says, it's not the correct order of life, no matter their age. He was still her beautiful baby boy. Ninette has written 27 bullet points, one for each year of Tosh's life. And I'm honoured to share her precious words…

  • HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, MOTHERHOOD, THOUGHT-PROVOKING

    DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

    Beth Calvert was diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager and then postnatal depression in her 20s. She speaks about the highs and the lows, the exhaustion and the extremely dark moments where she thought her only way out was to die. What Beth went through sounds absolutely terrifying. And then a doctor diagnosed her with bipolar disorder and her life finally clicked into place…

  • LOVE & MARRIAGE, MOTHER OF ALL LISTS, MOTHERHOOD, MUST READ, TRAVEL, WORK & MONEY

    WHEN ONE PARENT WORKS AWAY

    The author of this list was was very concerned that it didn't have the emotional tug of some of the other stories I've shared. But that doesn't mean it's not important. There are plenty of people out their whose partners are away a lot and its TOUGH, really tough. Not just the 'parenting alone' bit, but the constant readjustment between them being around and not is challenging too. Here's Joanna Kays take on it all:…

  • MOTHERHOOD, PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABY'S

    PLANNING YOUR BIRTH IN A PANDEMIC

    This week's list comes from Rebecca Trueman who is an antenatal and hypnobirthing teacher, and it's full of suggestions about what you can do to make your birth go a little smoother. With This Is Going To Hurt currently on TV it seemed like a good time to reflect on just how overstretched and understaffed maternity services are. As Rebecca says, it's easy to focus on the bad bits and the worry, and so her list offers some useful advice for planning a birth during a pandemic - and beyond. …

  • MOTHERHOOD, PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABY'S

    OVERWHELMED & PREGNANT

    In this list, the writer, who wishes to remain anonymous, talks about a side of pregnancy we don't often hear about. It's always expected that people should feel happy, grateful and excited, but what happens if that's not the case? As this writer explains, she found herself floored with anxiety, scared and wondering how on earth she was going to care for a baby that would change her life so completely and permanently…